Eminem was prepared to make Ben Johnson the subject of his next diss track. But the offensive coordinator's decision to return to Detroit means the famous rapper (and Lions fan) can halt his production.
Had Johnson left the Lions for a head coaching spot, Eminem had promised to record a song calling him out for leaving the team in the lurch. But Johnson decided to stay put, as first reported Tuesday, so he no longer has to worry about being put on blast by one of the top-selling musical artists of all time.
"Guess I should stop recording this diss track..!! Lol!! @ Ben Johnson Thank you for staying!!! We can't break this team up ESPECIALLY since I'M on it!!!" Eminem wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Coach Campbell we love you bro!!! Let's run it back next year!!...I'm READY!!!! I promise you I WILL get us to the super bowl!!!"
Guess I should stop recording this diss track..!! Lol!! @ Ben Johnson Thank you for staying!!! We can't break this team up ESPECIALLY since I'M on it!!! Coach Campbell we love you bro!!! Let's run it back next year!!...I'm READY!!!! I promise you I WILL get us to the super…
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) January 30, 2024
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Eminem is known for his diss tracks, which have targeted big names including Will Smith, Mariah Carey, Machine Gun Kelly and President George W. Bush, among others. Johnson seemed likely to be next on the list, as he was considered to be a favorite for the Commanders' head coach opening and a candidate for the Seahawks' spot as well.
The 15-time Grammy Award winner made his threat of a diss track against Johnson on DJ Whoo Kidd's radio show, with Eminem saying he just wanted one more year for Johnson and said that the team is "amazing right now." Eminem said he wouldn't even change the hat he wore during the NFC championship game.
"Ben Johnson, if you leave us, this record is coming," Eminem said. "This song is coming."
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Johnson has had a massive impact on the Lions in his two years as the offensive coordinator. Detroit ranked 25th in scoring average in 2021. In both Johnson's seasons as offensive coordinator (2022 and 2023), the Lions ranked fifth.
With Johnson spurning the chance to be a head coach in 2024 and instead choosing to return as offensive coordinator, the Lions are well-positioned to repeat as NFC North champions and once again be a top threat in the conference.
