Report: Raiders 'enamored' with Lions OC Johnson after interview
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as one of the top candidates to fill the Las Vegas Raiders' vacant head coaching position, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Johnson had a virtual interview with Las Vegas on Friday, and the club is "enamored" with the 38-year-old, Rapoport adds.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady reportedly vouched for Johnson, and the coordinator agreed to meet with the team partly because the legendary quarterback urged him through his agent to take an interview.
Johnson is a top head coaching candidate in this season's search. He also conducted virtual interviews with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots. Johnson can't meet in person with teams until the Lions are eliminated from the playoffs or make the Super Bowl.
The Lions' offense topped the NFL in points per game (33.2) and ranked second in yards (409.5) and passing yards per contest (263.2) in the 2024 regular season.
Detroit finished the campaign as the NFC's No. 1 team, receiving a bye to the NFC divisional round.