Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson Addresses Rumors.

Ben Johnson Faced Unfounded Criticism but Remains Unfazed

In the unpredictable realm of NFL coaching searches, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson found himself amid swirling rumors and public scrutiny. After choosing to remain with the Lions instead of pursuing a head coaching position with the Washington Commanders, various reports emerged questioning his motives and integrity.

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Unfounded Salary Claims and Media Criticism

The controversy began in December with reports suggesting Johnson was seeking $15 million annually for a head coaching role. Although his agent quickly refuted these claims, the narrative persisted, especially after Johnson decided to stay with the Lions. NFL insider Adam Schefter reignited the issue by mentioning these salary demands again, fueling further critiques and negative commentary.

Johnson’s Composed Response to Criticism

In his first public comments since the reports, Johnson addressed the situation calmly and with dignity. He dismissed the inflated salary rumors as false, explaining, “There were, in my opinion, some false narratives out there, starting towards the end of last year before I decided to withdraw.”

Despite the personal impact of such public scrutiny, Johnson remained resilient, crediting his support network for his strength. He noted, “That’s part of life in the NFL, so it doesn’t affect me,” expressing sympathy for his family and close ones who had to endure the fallout. He appreciated their handling of the situation, saying, “I do feel for the people around me. I hate that my family would ever read stuff that’s not necessarily the case, but they handled it really well.”

Johnson found solace in knowing the truth about the situation. “Support staff’s there from that regard. I think I sleep well at night knowing what happened, how it happened, and why it happened. I’m good there and the people closest to me—they know who I am and what I’m about. So, it’s all good.”

Given the opportunity to set the record straight, Johnson opted not to delve into specifics, choosing instead to rise above the fray and let his work speak for itself. He clearly feels secure in the knowledge that those who need to know the truth are already aware.