Ben Johnson is returning as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has some unfinished business to attend to in Detroit.

Johnson, who just completed his first season as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, has elected to stay on staff in that job for a second season despite being a top candidate in this year’s head coach hiring cycle. Johnson recently interviewed digitally with three clubs, and according to rumors out of Carolina, he was among the favorites to get the job.

But after guiding one of the most potent attacks in sports, Johnson, 36, is coming back to Detroit in 2023.

The Lions concluded the season 9-8 and rated in the top 10 in practically every major offensive category under Johnson’s coaching. Detroit finished fifth in the NFL in points scored, fourth in total yards and ninth in passing.

Johnson started his climb among the Lions coaching levels last year when he took over as pass game coordinator after Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties from Anthony Lynn midway through last season. The offense instantly improved, and Detroit won three of their final six games.

Johnson was hired as offensive coordinator last offseason and that side of the football was a strength for this squad all year. The Lions’ offense racked up 4,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards for the first time in franchise history. The squad topped 30 points in a game eight times, the most in the NFL this season and in franchise history.

Quarterback Jared Goff experienced one of the best seasons of his career in Johnson’s offense. Johnson invited Goff to create this strategy with him this offseason and it allowed Goff to truly take ownership of it and feel comfortable with it.

Goff threw for 4,438 yards and 29 touchdown passes this season. He concluded the year with 324 straight pass attempts without an interception, the seventh longest stretch in league history.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Detroit, MI. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).

Detroit Lions quarterback Nate Sudfeld (10) during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 18, 2022, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions).

“He’s been as essential as any coach I’ve ever had,” Goff added. “Our communication is as excellent as I’ve ever been a part of and he does a wonderful job with not just myself but everybody, preparing everyone to play. I joked in the middle of the year that I’m going to quit talking wonderful things about him because I know where that heads and if he does wind up doing that, I’ll be glad for him. He’s a hell of a coach and that’s why you came into this profession—to accomplish that but selfishly, I’d want to continue to play for him.”

Analysts and experts throughout the league gushed about Johnson’s play design, usage of players, and motion. With Johnson back in the fold and the majority of Detroit’s offensive players under contract for next season, the Lions are anticipated to have one of the greatest attacks in the league once again in 2023.