Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson appears to be on the vergeg of securing a head coaching position this offseason, with speculation swirling around where he might land. Johnson has reportedly interviewed with four NFL teams: the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Chicago Bears. However, with the Patriots already hiring Mike Vrabel, Johnson’s options are narrowing, and recent reports suggest the Raiders have emerged as the leading candidate for his services.
Momentum Builds for Raiders to Land Johnson**
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared that Johnson is widely viewed as the frontrunner for the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy. According to Rapoport:
*”People associated with the Raiders job—other candidates, agents, and insiders—acknowledge that Ben Johnson is the leading candidate. Many believe he’s going to get it.”*
Despite growing confidence in Las Vegas’ interest, Rapoport noted the team still needs to meet certain hiring requirements and Johnson cannot officially take the role until the Lions’ postseason run concludes.
Criticism for Johnson’s Potential Move to Las Vegas
Not everyone agrees that Las Vegas is an ideal fit for Johnson. Fox Sports 1 analyst Danny Parkins voiced strong opinions, calling the Raiders an unwise choice for Johnson:
*”If Ben Johnson wants to coach the Raiders, then Ben Johnson is delusional. I badly want him to coach the Bears, but I don’t buy the rumors.”*
Parkins’ concerns stem from the challenges Johnson would face if he joined the Raiders, particularly competing in the AFC West—a division that includes playoff teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos. In contrast, the Bears and Jaguars offer arguably less competitive landscapes and established quarterbacks, though other factors complicate those roles.
Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Potential Landing Spots**
Each of the three potential destinations presents unique opportunities and challenges:
Raiders
Johnson would have significant flexibility in shaping the team, as Las Vegas is expected to hire a new general manager alongside him. Additionally, with $92.5 million in projected cap space (second-most in the NFL), the Raiders offer ample resources to rebuild. However, the Raiders’ position in the highly competitive AFC West makes the task daunting.
Bears
Chicago boasts a talented roster, including a potential franchise quarterback. But Johnson would face challenges working under a pre-existing general manager and competing in the tough NFC North, where he’d face the Lions twice a year.
Jaguars
Jacksonville offers the most favorable environment in terms of divisional competition, as the AFC South is less competitive. The Jaguars already have a franchise quarterback in place, making it an attractive option for Johnson. However, like Chicago, Jacksonville’s established front office might limit Johnson’s ability to shape the organization entirely to his vision.
Final Thoughts
As speculation grows, Johnson’s potential move to Las Vegas raises both intrigue and skepticism. While the Raiders offer Johnson a blank slate and significant resources, the fierce competition in the AFC West presents a major hurdle. With all eyes on Johnson, his decision could define the trajectory of his head coaching career and the future of the team he chooses to lead.
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