Amon-Ra St. Brown – Lions' Ben Johnson has 'unfinished business'

DETROIT — Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has “unfinished business” in Detroit, according to Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

That's why Johnson told other NFL teams this offseason that he would remain in his current job with the Lions rather than pursue a head coaching role.

St. Brown spoke about Johnson's return Wednesday on his podcast, “The St. Brown Brothers,” and said that Johnson called him yesterday morning and told him he was returning because he still had work to accomplish within the organization. The organization is aiming to win a Super Bowl. Reached the NFC Championship Game. St. Brown immediately texted quarterback Jared Goff to share the news.

“It's like, 'So what happened? You got an interview and you're leaving?'” St. Brown said on the podcast. “He said, 'You know, I'm on my way to the facility.' He said he couldn't sleep last night, and as he was thinking about it, he said, 'I have unfinished business.' He wants to stay. ”

Johnson was interviewed for head coaching vacancies with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers before the head coaching position was filled. He also had the opportunity to pursue head coaching vacancies with the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks before telling the teams he would remain with the Lions.

Sources also told ESPN's Adam Schefter that some teams balked at the asking price for Johnson as head coach.

“He says his heart is in Detroit and he wants to stay here,” St. Brown said on the podcast. “So he told me that on the way to the facility.”