FOXBORO — The New England Patriots have conducted a virtual interview with Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, as they seek a new head coach. The interview took place on Friday and lasted for three hours, necessitated by the Lions’ advancement to the NFL playoffs.
This move highlights Johnson as a leading candidate for the head coaching position, particularly after a successful tenure where the Lions boasted one of the league’s premier offenses, averaging an impressive 33.2 points per game in 2024. Detroit finished the regular season with a remarkable 15-2 record and secured the number one seed in the NFC playoffs.
While Johnson, 38, lacks head coaching experience — which could introduce a degree of risk for the Patriots — he presents an opportunity for a fresh, innovative offensive strategy. His expertise could be pivotal in revitalizing a New England offense that struggled last season, ranking 30th in the NFL with an average of 17.0 points per game. Analysts believe that Johnson’s vision could significantly benefit quarterback Drake Maye, who showed promise during his rookie season.
Following the Patriots’ interview, Johnson also met with the Las Vegas Raiders and has additional interviews lined up with both the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend. The Patriots previously interviewed candidates including Byron Leftwich, Pep Hamilton, and Mike Vrabel, with many analysts regarding Vrabel as a frontrunner for the position.
Ben Johnson’s coaching career began in the New England area in 2009 as a graduate assistant at Boston College. He joined the NFL in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins, progressing through various coaching roles before becoming the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2022. Under his guidance, the Lions have maintained a top-five scoring offense each season.
As the Patriots evaluate their options, Johnson’s ability to lead and innovate could herald a new era for the franchise, making this an exciting time for both the organization and its fans. The culmination of Johnson’s interviews will determine whether he opts to leave Detroit for his first head coaching opportunity or continues to build on his successful tenure with the Lions.