Patriots

Just someday after the Patriots are set to interview Mike Vrabel for his or her head coaching position, New England will reportedly meet arguably probably the most interesting candidate on this offseason's coaching carousel.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter The Patriots will interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Friday. New England first requested a possibility to interview Johnson on Monday, lower than 24 hours after the team fired Jerod Mayo as head coach.

The Patriots already confirmed personal interviews with former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and longtime NFL assistant coach Pep Hamilton on Tuesday, with Vrabel reportedly set to begin against New England on Thursday.

Johnson's meeting with New England can be virtual because Johnson or any coach whose team is playing within the playoffs cannot meet in person until their team is eliminated.

So New England can have to attend weeks if it wants to noticeably push for a second interview with Johnson – considering the Lions are considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

While noted on Wednesday With Vrabel considered a “leading candidate” for the Patriots' head coaching job, a young, offensive-minded coach like Johnson could offer the very best ceiling amongst potential hires.

Johnson, 38, has been riding high in NFL coaching circles since taking up because the Lions' offensive coordinator in 2022. He has led a dynamic Detroit offense the past three seasons, with the Lions entering this postseason ranked first within the league in points (564).

While Detroit averaged 33.2 points per game this season, the Patriots have yet to attain greater than 30 points in a single game since 2022.

Even though New England doesn't have the identical talent as Detroit on the offensive side of the ball (particularly on the offensive line and at wide receiver), the chance to work with a talented QB like Drake Maye reportedly intrigued Johnson.

“Johnson and Maye are former University of North Carolina quarterbacks, but they have no prior relationship, although Johnson is a fan of Maye from afar.” Chad Graff wrote on Wednesday.

Even if New England doesn't get their reported top goal in Vrabel, Johnson isn't exactly a guaranteed backup option given his coveted status across the league.

According to Dianna Russini, Johnson can be expected to conduct virtual interviews with the Bears and Jaguars this week.