Lions OC Ben Johnson is staying, turning down possible chance to be NFL head coach, AP source says.

According to a person familiar with the matter, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has made the decision to remain with the organization and decline offers to become an NFL head coach for the upcoming season. The individual spoke to The Associated Press under the condition of staying anonymous since Johnson’s intentions were not made public.

Johnson was a candidate to coach in Washington, where he was considered a front-runner, and with the Seattle Seahawks. The 37-year-old Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator on Dan Campbell’s staff in 2022 after serving in various coaching roles the three previous seasons.

Johnson assisted the Lions in making it to the NFC championship game for the second time in team history and the first time in thirty-two years. The Lions won two playoff games in the same postseason for the first time since winning the 1957 NFL title.

The Commanders interviewed him prior to the Lions’ 34-31 loss to San Francisco, which eliminated them from the playoffs. He was regarded as their top contender.