SHOCKING MOVE: Offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Ben Johnson, has announced that he has terminated his contract with the team and explained his decision in..

In a surprising move, Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions,. Johnson, who has been widely praised for his innovative offensive schemes and impressive leadership, explained his decision in a statement released on Friday.

Johnson, 37, took over as the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2021 and quickly established himself as one of the brightest minds in the NFL. Under his guidance, the Lions’ offence transformed into one of the most dynamic units in the league, with quarterback Jared Goff and a revamped playmaking core thriving in Johnson’s system. The Lions showed significant improvement on offence, and many considered Johnson a rising star in the coaching ranks.

In his statement, Johnson cited personal reasons for his departure, indicating that the decision was not based on dissatisfaction with the team’s direction or its management.

“I want to thank the Detroit Lions organisation, ownership, and all the players and coaches for an incredible journey. This has been a difficult decision, but after a great deal of reflection, I feel that it’s the right time for me to step away from coaching,” Johnson said. “While I have the utmost respect for Coach Campbell and the entire team, there are personal considerations that I must prioritise at this point in my life.”

Sources close to the situation revealed that Johnson’s decision may have been influenced by a desire to spend more time with family and to explore other opportunities outside of coaching, including potential roles in broadcasting or player development.

The Lions were quick to respond to Johnson’s departure, thanking him for his contributions and wishing him well in his future endeavours.

“Ben has been instrumental in our success over the past few seasons,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “We understand and support his decision, and while we’ll miss his leadership and vision, we wish him nothing but the best moving forward. We’re grateful for everything he brought to our team and our offence.”

The timing of Johnson’s exit leaves the Lions with a significant gap to fill in their coaching staff. The franchise will now begin its search for a new offensive coordinator, with speculation already beginning about potential candidates. In the meantime, Campbell, who is known for his hands-on approach, will likely take on a more prominent role in shaping the team’s offensive game plan.

Johnson’s departure is a significant development for the Lions, as the team had been on an upward trajectory under his leadership, finishing the 2023 season with a top-10 offence and playoff aspirations. With the departure of such a key figure, it will be crucial for the Lions to find a replacement who can maintain the offensive momentum.

It remains to be seen where Johnson will go next, but his decision to leave Detroit marks the end of a promising chapter in his coaching career—one that many believe will continue to unfold in exciting ways in the years to come.