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Ben Johnson Says He’s Staying with the Detroit Lions

Author Anne Erickson
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 23: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions speak on the field prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on November 23, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

I’m totally pinching myself. Is this for real? Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was one of the most sought-after head coach candidates this season. Pretty much everyone figured he’d be named new head coach of the Washington Commanders soon. Either that or the Seattle Seahawks. But, it’s not happening. He’s staying with the Detroit Lions, according to a new report.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Johnson has informed both the Commanders and Seahawks that he isn’t leaving Detroit. Johnson was rumored to be the favorite to land the Commanders job. Washington seemed totally committed to bringing him on. They even waited weeks to interview him in person, because Johnson was so tied up in the NFC Championship game. Now that the game is over, and the Lions lost, it seemed like we were just days away from an announcement on Johnson being a new head coach.

“#Lions OC Ben Johnson informed the #Seahawks and #Commanders that he’s staying in Detroit, per sources,” Pelissero writes. “Johnson is still only 37 and will be a hot head coaching candidate again next year. But first, he wants to take another shot at bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Detroit.” So, Johnson is reportedly turning down the shot to be head coach because he wants to take the Lions to the Super Bowl next year. Praise God, right? Insert thankful emoji. I’m so stoked. Johnson, you have brought hope to the Motor City. Thank you for sticking with us and giving us the hope we need to get through that stinging loss against the 49ers. We actually have a chance now, Detroit, to get that Super Bowl trophy. September can’t come soon enough. Let’s hope Johnson wins assistant coach of the year, too. Reach out to me with your thoughts here.

10 Things You May Not Know About Jared Goff

  • He has pro sports in his blood

    Jared Goff was the son of Jerry Goff, who was a Major League Baseball player back in the day. Goff was born in San Rafael, California. He was raised in Novato, California.

     

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    A post shared by Jared Goff (@jaredgoff)

  • He went to a Catholic high school

    Jared Goff first started his football career at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, California. He shined on the football team while there. So, he was a star from the start.

  • He gives back to that high school

    As I just mentioned, Jared Goff graduated from Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, California. He still gives back to them, too. Last year, he actually purchased state championship rings for the entire Marin Catholic team, who won the California state Division 4-AA football championship. How nice is that?

  • He's only played on two NFL teams

    While some NFL players switch around a lot during their careers, Jared Goff has only played for two teams. Those teams, of course, are the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions. He was with the Los Angeles Rams from 2016 to 2020 and has been with the Lions since 2021.

  • He's been to a Super Bowl

    When Goff came to Detroit, a lot of people were skeptical. But, this guy has actually been to a Super Bowl, so we were always in good hands. In his second year with the Rams, he help bring the Rams their first winning season in 14 years. He also took the team to Super Bowl LIII, which marked the Rams’ first Super Bowl appearance since 2001. So, why did Sean McVay let him go? Honestly, it was a great thing for Detroit. Finders keepers.

  • He grew up a San Francisco 49ers fan

    Uh, oh. The Lions have to beat the 49ers to get to the Super Bowl. But, Jared Goff grew up a 49ers fan. He actually wears the No. 16 as a tribute to Joe Montana. I’m sure Goff will still have no emotional issue with beating them, though.

  • He had major success as a quarterback in college

    Jared Goff had several scholarship offers to play football, and he chose the University of California, Berkeley. He became the starting quarterback in the 2013 season. That actually made him the school’s first real freshman quarterback.

  • His fiancée is a Sports Illustrated model

    Jared Goff’s fiancée, Christen Harper, is a Sports Illustrated model. How did they meet? According to People, Harper and Goff started dating in 2019 and met through a dating app. According to the magazine, the app is called Raya, and it’s a private, membership-based dating app for celebrities.

  • His fiancée loves Detroit

    Jared Goff’s fiancée, Christen Harper, truly loves Detroit. She’s been at all the recent Lions games, and she often posts photos of social media in Lions gear. She’s also posted on social media about her love for the Motor City. We love her right back.

  • He gives back

    Last September, for the second consecutive year, Jared Goff and his JG16 brand worked with Merit, a high-quality clothing brand in Detroit that helps students in the community by assisting them in getting to college via the nonprofit organization Give Merit. That’s truly a great cause. So, yes, he gives back.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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