Will Ben Johnson leave his role as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions to take one of the jobs he’s interviewed for? As the Lions get ready to play the Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs, Johnson is focused on the present, but talks about his future continue to grow.
Starting last Thursday, the speculation about Johnson joining the Raiders grew stronger. This coincided with the Raiders firing G.M. Tom Telesco, which opened up a possibility for the “alignment” Johnson has said is important when working with the front office.
Johnson wouldn’t directly ask for Telesco or anyone else to be fired. However, if a team really wants Johnson, they need to understand the hints and act on them. It seems the Raiders, who are interested in Johnson, have done just that.
Johnson reportedly left his interview with the Raiders feeling positive about the team and minority owner Tom Brady, who has been involved in the ongoing search for a new coach.
There’s also a rumor that the Raiders have made a “massive” contract offer to Johnson. While it’s too early for formal offers, as the Raiders haven’t yet had a face-to-face interview with him, the idea of a big offer is being discussed unofficially.
Whether this rumor is true remains to be seen. Raiders owner Mark Davis is not known for being one of the wealthiest owners in the NFL. After recent buyouts of Jon Gruden, Josh McDaniels, Dave Ziegler, Antonio Pierce, and Telesco, the team might have to spend big to secure Johnson.
A big offer could upset other owners who want to avoid bidding wars for coaches, as there is no salary cap or franchise tag for coaches, which could lead to rising prices.
But for Johnson, it’s not just about money. If he works for the Raiders, he would also have access to Tom Brady. While Brady can’t attend production meetings for his job with Fox, he is allowed to talk to coaches and players about the games he’s covering. He will be working the Lions’ game this weekend.
Johnson cannot be hired until the Lions’ season is over. This could mean Brady calling Johnson’s last game with the Lions, just before Johnson could join Brady on a private plane to Las Vegas.
Right now, there doesn’t seem to be another team that fits. Johnson has interviewed with the Raiders, Bears, Jaguars, and Patriots. The “alignment” he’s looking for is not present in Jacksonville, and likely isn’t available with the Bears.
Unless the Cowboys, who missed their chance to interview Johnson before the Lions’ season ends, make a last-minute offer, it looks like it’s either the Raiders or staying with the Lions for Johnson.
More and more people within the league believe that Johnson will end up with the Raiders.
