Late on Monday night, it was leaked to the media that the Detroit Lions have decided to promote tight ends coach Ben Johnson to the vacant offensive coordinator position after moving on from Anthony Lynn earlier this offseason. Though the Lions themselves have yet to announce the move, it has now been confirmed by multiple, reliable sources. It’s happening.
The move certainly wasn’t all that surprising. Johnson had received a lot of praise all season, and when head coach Dan Campbell took over play calling duties at the midway point of last season, it was Johnson who received an unofficial promotion to passing game coordinator to aid Campbell in directing Jared Goff, add a voice in the play-creation process, and provide some general direction in an offense that was struggling.