Ben Johnson Favors Raiders Amid Coaching Carousel: A Compelling Choice Explained
By Matthew Schmidt | January 15, 2025
As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, the Las Vegas Raiders appear to have emerged as a top destination for one of the most sought-after candidates of the offseason: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. With numerous head coaching vacancies across the league, Johnson’s potential interest in the Raiders has sparked significant intrigue, particularly given the compelling reasons behind his preference.
Johnson’s Rapid Ascent in the NFL Coaching Ranks
Ben Johnson has become a household name in coaching circles, thanks in large part to his transformative work with the Detroit Lions offense. Over the past two seasons, Johnson played a key role in the resurgence of quarterback Jared Goff, turning the Lions into one of the most potent offensive units in the NFL. Under his guidance, Detroit climbed to the top of the NFC North, earning a playoff berth in 2024 and cementing themselves as perennial contenders.
Johnson’s innovative offensive schemes and ability to maximize player potential have made him a hot commodity, with several franchises vying for his services. However, recent reports indicate that Johnson may have zeroed in on the Raiders as his preferred destination, bypassing other opportunities, including the Chicago Bears.
Why the Raiders?
On a recent episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick shed light on the factors influencing Johnson’s decision-making process.
“I was told last night that for Ben Johnson, the Raiders make more sense because he doesn’t want to go against the Lions and Dan Campbell being in the same conference,” Patrick revealed. “Whether that is true or not, I think also the allure of Tom Brady [was a factor], and Brady is making decisions with the Raiders. It feels like he is making the decisions with the Raiders.”
Avoiding NFC North Rivalry
One of the most intriguing aspects of Johnson’s reported preference is his reluctance to coach against his current team. Taking the head coaching job with the Bears would place Johnson in direct competition with the Lions twice a year in NFC North matchups. This could stem from a sense of loyalty to Detroit and head coach Dan Campbell, with whom Johnson has developed a strong rapport.
Moreover, the Lions’ dominance within the division could be another deterrent. Detroit’s roster is stacked with talent, including star players like wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Facing such a formidable team multiple times per season might not be an appealing prospect for Johnson as he embarks on his first head coaching opportunity.
The Tom Brady Factor
Another major factor reportedly influencing Johnson’s interest in the Raiders is the presence of NFL legend Tom Brady, who became a minority owner of the franchise in 2024. While Brady’s exact role within the organization remains somewhat nebulous, his influence is undeniable.
“Brady’s involvement signals a level of ambition and seriousness about building a winning culture,” one league source said. “For a coach like Ben Johnson, aligning with someone of Brady’s stature could be a huge draw.”
Brady’s involvement could also provide Johnson with a strong support system as he transitions into a head coaching role. From mentorship to strategic insights, Brady’s presence might offer Johnson a unique advantage not found with other teams.
The State of the Raiders
While the Raiders offer certain intangibles that appeal to Johnson, the franchise also presents significant challenges. Any incoming head coach will face an uphill battle in reshaping a team that has struggled to find consistent success in recent years.
Quarterback Uncertainty
The most glaring issue facing the Raiders is the lack of a clear answer at quarterback. After moving on from Jimmy Garoppolo late in the 2024 season, Las Vegas turned to rookie Aidan O’Connell, who showed flashes of potential but remains unproven as a long-term solution.
Finding a quarterback who aligns with Johnson’s offensive philosophy will be paramount. Whether through free agency, the NFL Draft, or a trade, addressing this critical position will be a top priority for both Johnson and the Raiders’ front office.
Roster Overhaul Needed
Beyond the quarterback position, the Raiders have several roster deficiencies that must be addressed. The team lacks elite playmakers on offense, particularly at wide receiver, where they need a consistent complement to star wideout Davante Adams. On defense, the Raiders remain a work in progress, with a need for upgrades along the defensive line and in the secondary.
Cap Space and Draft Capital
On the bright side, Las Vegas enters the 2025 offseason with substantial cap space, providing the financial flexibility to make significant roster improvements. Additionally, the Raiders hold the seventh overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, offering a prime opportunity to acquire a franchise-altering talent.
What Would Johnson Bring to the Raiders?
Should Ben Johnson take the helm in Las Vegas, Raiders fans can expect a dramatic shift in the team’s offensive identity. Known for his creativity and adaptability, Johnson has demonstrated an ability to tailor his schemes to the strengths of his personnel.
Revitalizing the Offense
Johnson’s offense in Detroit was built around precision passing, misdirection, and leveraging mismatches. Under his guidance, Goff experienced a career resurgence, while skill players like St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs thrived in dynamic roles. If Johnson can bring a similar level of innovation to the Raiders, it could breathe new life into an offense that has struggled to find consistency.
Player Development
Another hallmark of Johnson’s coaching style is his ability to develop young talent. This could be a critical asset for a Raiders team that will likely rely on contributions from recent draft picks and young players in 2025.
Culture and Leadership
While Johnson’s offensive acumen is his calling card, his leadership and ability to foster a strong team culture should not be overlooked. His experience working under Dan Campbell—a coach known for his motivational style and emphasis on team unity—has likely influenced Johnson’s approach to leadership.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
With the coaching search still ongoing, the Raiders will need to act swiftly to secure Johnson if he is indeed their top choice. Given the high demand for his services, Las Vegas will face stiff competition from other franchises looking to fill head coaching vacancies.
However, the Raiders may hold a key advantage if reports about Johnson’s preferences are accurate. The combination of Brady’s involvement, the allure of avoiding NFC North rivalries, and the opportunity to rebuild a storied franchise could make Las Vegas the ideal landing spot for Johnson.
A Critical Offseason for Las Vegas
Regardless of who ultimately becomes the Raiders’ next head coach, the 2025 offseason will be pivotal for the franchise. In addition to addressing the quarterback position and improving the roster, the Raiders will need to establish a clear vision and identity moving forward.
The AFC West remains one of the toughest divisions in football, with perennial contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. For the Raiders to compete, they will need a head coach who can inspire confidence and lead the team through the challenges ahead.
Final Thoughts
The potential pairing of Ben Johnson and the Las Vegas Raiders is a fascinating storyline to watch as the coaching carousel unfolds. For Johnson, the Raiders represent a unique opportunity to make his mark as a head coach, while the franchise itself could benefit immensely from his offensive expertise and innovative approach.
While challenges remain, the reported reasons behind Johnson’s preference—avoiding NFC North rivalries, Brady’s influence, and the chance to rebuild a historic franchise—make Las Vegas a compelling destination.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Raiders and their pursuit of one of the NFL’s brightest coaching minds. Whether Johnson ultimately chooses Las Vegas or another team, his decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the league’s landscape in 2025 and beyond.
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