Johnson, 37, chose to withdraw from consideration for a second straight coaching cycle despite being the front-runner to take over as head coach of the Washington Commanders and a candidate for the Seattle Seahawks position.

Since the Lions’ season came to an agonizing end on Sunday in the NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, this is the finest news they have heard.

Johnson allegedly met with the Commanders in Detroit on Tuesday. Johnson conducted interviews with five teams in all throughout the search. Washington was in the city to speak with Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Lions.

Some clubs were alarmed by his demand, according to insiders. Shortly after the NFL Network initially reported on Johnson’s comeback, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted.

Johnson, who has been one of the most popular names in the previous two coaching cycles and is a finalist for Assistant Coach of the Year for the second year in a row, seized the chance after deciding to stay in Detroit following several interviews in the offseason. His choice paid off, as the offense largely contributed to the Lions having one of their best seasons ever.