Ben Johnson was one of the most sought-after candidates during the last coaching cycle.

Johnson had at least one interview with the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Commanders, NFL Network reported in January. But he withdrew his name from consideration to stay in Detroit.

Johnson spent the past two seasons as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. The 38-year-old assistant coach is the architect of one of the best offenses in the NFL in 2023.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on Sept. 24, 2023, in Detroit. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

In January, Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said Johnson’s choice to continue focusing on “unfinished business” was a priority.

“I said, ‘So what’s wrong with you, you did an interview. Like, are you leaving?’” St. Brown said on his “St. Brown Brothers” podcast about the text message exchange with Johnson. “He said, ‘You know what, I’m on my way to the facility right now.’ He said he couldn’t sleep last night. He was thinking about it and he said, ‘There’s unfinished business.’ He wanted to stay.”

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Johnson shed more light on his surprising decision to stay this week, saying he was happy with his situation with the Lions.

“When it starts to get hot, I want the sun to stay a little longer,” Johnson told reporters at Lions practice.

“That’s really how I feel. I like the sunshine. I like what we’ve built here, starting with the ownership, the head coach, the GM on down. We have a great group in the locker room, and I want to reap the rewards with them a little longer.”

Ben Johnson and Jared Goff talk on the sideline

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Jared Goff (16) speak on the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Nov. 23, 2023, in Detroit. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Johnson added that any future head coaching opportunity would have to be the right fit for him to consider leaving the Lions.