The Detroit Lions offense has been dynamic and explosive this season, as the group leads the league in points per game (33.3) and second in yards per game (410.5). Players such as quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St.Brown receive most of the credit for the offense’s success, but offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the mastermind behind the operation.

Johnson took over as Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2022 and has established himself as the brightest young offensive mind in football and a premier head coaching candidate. The South Carolina native has played an integral role in Goff’s career resurgence and is arguably the best play designer in the league.

Though many expect Johnson to take a head coaching job this offseason, CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani predicts the 38-year-old will shock the NFL world and stay with the Lions for another year.

If there’s one man who has a seat reserved on the coaching carousel this offseason, it’s Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He’s created arguably the most explosive offense in the NFL, and is a major reason why the Lions have been the best team in the NFC over the last two years.

Our prediction is that, for one reason or another, Johnson skips on a head-coaching job again. He shockingly returns to Detroit with a nice boost in pay.

Johnson could’ve easily taken a head coaching position during the 2024 offseason, but the long-time offensive coach decided to stay with Detroit for another season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Johnson’s high asking price to be a head coach scared some teams away.

The North Carolina spoke on his decision to stay with the Lions for the 2024 season in May and stated that he decided to remain in Detroit because he loved what the franchise was building and didn’t believe that another year as an offensive coordinator would hinder his future opportunities.

“That’s really what it comes down to for me. I like the sunshine, I like what we’ve built here, starting with ownership, the head coach, the GM, on down,” Johnson said about his decision to stay in Detroit for the 2024 season. “We have a great group of guys in the locker room, and I want to reap the rewards with them a little bit longer.”

“The longer you’re in the coordinator chair, it does nothing but help you and prepare you more for the next step if it ever comes down the pipe,” Johnson said. “Personally, I don’t feel like I’m hurting my opportunities or my abilities to be a coordinator in the future, and I love what I’m doing right now.”

Though many are penciling in Johnson to land a head coaching job this offseason, the former tights end coach could opt to repeat what he did last year and stay with the Lions for the 2025 season, especially if the head coaching vacancies aren’t very attractive this offseason.