Ben Johnson Stays with Lions, Cancels Interview with Panthers

You are no longer required to keep an eye on Ben Johnson.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator canceled his in-person interview with the Carolina Panthers this week and informed all interested teams that he will return to Detroit in 2023.
"Johnson was scheduled to travel to Carolina on Wednesday to interview with the Panthers. But he believes Detroit is creating something special and wishes to see it through," Pelissero tweeted late Tuesday night. "Should be a popular HC name next year."
That is a huge win for the Lions, who have been praising Ben Johnson all year after orchestrating the league's fifth-highest scoring offense in 2022.
"I've got to be careful how much I keep pumping him up, but no, I'm joking," quarterback Jared Goff said of Johnson, who has had a career renaissance this season. "He's fantastic. He's one-of-a-kind in his own right. I think his communication and the way he listens, and the way he takes our input and is constantly communicating and keeping us all on the same page, are his best qualities."
All year, Lions coach Dan Campbell praised Johnson, frequently referring to him as a "rockstar." But he stated that if the offers came his way, he would not refuse them.
"I believe a lot of Ben. "I just think he's extremely bright," Campbell said. "He's creative, he's organized, he's a great communicator. I mean, he's got it, and I'd do anything to assist him. That is the end result. I don't want to lose him, but I'm also not going to hold him back. I'd help him in any way I could."

Fortunately for Campbell, it appears that he has won.