Tom Brady’s presence and a big paycheck could be shifting the NFL coaching carousel.
Ben Johnson, the Lions offensive coordinator and perhaps the prize of this NFL coaching cycle, is reportedly moving closer to becoming the Raiders’ next head coach.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that those “associated with the job” believe that “Johnson is the leading candidate and there’s a lot of people who think, frankly, he’s getting it.”
It would be a stunning turn of events given Johnson has been picky in choosing his head-coaching destination after passing on chances the past two offseasons when he was viewed as the favorite.
It was also believed that Johnson would prefer a job where a young quarterback was in place, leading to speculation that the Bears with Caleb Williams and the Jaguars with Trevor Lawrence are viable options.
Las Vegas lacks that potential at the position with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell taking a majority of the snaps last season. The Raiders do have the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward both intriguing options to go early.
Johnson interviewed last week with the Bears and Jaguars, as well as the Raiders, with Detroit having a bye week before their NFC Divisional Round matchup with the Commanders on Saturday.
Brady, a minority owner, reportedly has significant say in who will be the team’s next head coach after nudging owner Mark Davis to fire head coach Antonio Pierce and GM Tom Telesco last week following a 4-13 season.
Radio host Dan Patrick said the “allure” of Brady has helped the Raiders’ chances of landing Johnson, who has helped resurrect quarterback Jared Goff’s career and turned the Lions into one of the NFL’s top offenses.
Pro Football Talk also reported the Raiders have a “massive” offer for Johnson despite the team not yet having satisfied the Rooney Rule by interviewing two minority candidates in person. Johnson himself only interviewed with the team virtually.
The Raiders are one of six openings remaining with the Bears, Jaguars, Jets, Saints and Cowboys all looking for their next head coach.
The Jets did not see Johnson as a fit and did not request an interview with him.
The Patriots, who did speak with Johnson, have already hired franchise legend Mike Vrabel as their next head coach.
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