Patriots complete head coaching interview with Ben Johnson….
The New England Patriots have officially completed a virtual interview with Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, as part of their search for a new head coach. This development comes after the Patriots parted ways with head coach Jerod Mayo following a 4-13 season.
Ben Johnson, 38, has been instrumental in transforming the Lions’ offense into one of the most formidable units in the NFL. Since taking over as offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson has led Detroit to top-five finishes in scoring offense each season, with the team leading the league at 33.2 points per game in 2024. His innovative play-calling and ability to maximize player talents have made him a sought-after candidate for head coaching positions across the league.
The Patriots conducted the interview virtually, adhering to NFL rules that require remote meetings with coaching candidates from playoff teams during this period. The Lions, having secured the NFC’s top seed with a 15-2 record, are on a postseason bye, allowing Johnson the opportunity to engage in interviews. In addition to his meeting with the Patriots, Johnson has scheduled interviews with the Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Reports indicate that the interview between Johnson and the Patriots went exceptionally well. NFL insider Albert Breer noted that the meeting was “great,” suggesting a strong mutual interest between the two parties. The Patriots are particularly interested in Johnson’s offensive acumen, especially considering their struggles on that side of the ball last season, where they averaged just 17.0 points per game, ranking 30th in the NFL.
Johnson’s coaching career began in 2009 as a graduate assistant at Boston College. He entered the NFL in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins, serving in various offensive roles before joining the Lions in 2019. His rapid ascent and success with Detroit have positioned him as one of the top head coaching candidates this offseason.
The Patriots have been thorough in their search for a new head coach, having already interviewed former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, former Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, and former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. While Vrabel, a former Patriots player, is considered by many as a leading candidate, Johnson’s impressive track record and the positive outcome of his interview could influence the Patriots’ decision-making process.
As the Patriots continue their search, they are expected to evaluate all candidates meticulously to find the best fit for the organization’s future. With the NFL offseason underway, the team aims to make a decision promptly to begin preparations for the upcoming season.
In the meantime, Ben Johnson remains focused on the Lions’ playoff run, balancing his current responsibilities with the potential opportunity to ascend to a head coaching position in the NFL.
For a more in-depth discussion on Ben Johnson’s candidacy and the Patriots’ coaching search, you can watch the following analysis:
