Detroit Lions offensive coordinator will run it back another year, as he has reported told the Seahawks and Commanders he’s coming back to Detroit

Although Ben Johnson seemed to be the clear favorite to become the Washington Commanders’ head coach, Tom Pelissero reports that the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions will return for a second season. Johnson told the Seattle Seahawks and the Commanders that he intends to return to Detroit, according to Pelissero.

Johnson was “not the head-coaching lock” that some had suggested, according to Adam Schefter, and his asking price “spooked some teams.” Josina Anderson had earlier in the regular season stated that Johnson was requesting $15 million year; however, Johnson’s representative refuted that.

Regardless of the reason, Johnson returning to the Lions is a massive win for the Lions and quarterback Jared Goff. The Lions offense has been ranked fifth in scoring in back-to-back seasons, and Johnson’s unique play-calling helped Detroit advance all the way to the NFC Championship Game, where they hung 31 points on a strong San Francisco 49ers defense. “We was a critical piece for us,” coach Dan Campbell said of Johnson on Monday. “He’s a critical piece.”

Both Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were scheduled for in-person interviews with the Commanders on Tuesday. The Commanders traveled to Detroit to speak with both candidates; Glenn’s status is still unknown at this time. Glenn is still a candidate for the Commanders position, but he has not been interviewed by the Seahawks, who are the only other open position. Johnson reportedly interviewed with five different teams this coaching cycle: the Commanders, Falcons, Chargers, Panthers, and Seahawks.