After a virtual interview with the Raiders on Friday, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is rapidly moving to the forefront in Las Vegas’ head coaching search.
According to insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Raiders are reportedly “enamored” with the Lions’ Ben Johnson. Rapoport reports that Johnson has quickly emerged as the candidate to watch in the Raiders’ head coaching hunt.
Johnson has also had virtual interviews with the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars.
It makes perfect sense why Johnson is one of the hottest names in the 2025 coaching carousel.
Johnson is the architect of the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense (33.2 points per game) and No. 2 total offense (409.5 yards per game). With Johnson coordinating its offense, the Lions secured the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time in franchise history.
With home field advantage, Detroit could be in for a long postseason run. According to Rapoport, that’s no problem for the Raiders.
Rapoport reports that the Raiders are willing to wait as long as it takes to secure Johnson as its potential future head coach.
The Raiders fired Antonio Pierce on Tuesday after one season as the permanent head coach. Las Vegas finished just 4-13 in 2024 and that included a 10-game losing streak.
Pierce also served as the interim head coach for the Raiders during the 2023 season, compiling a 5-4 mark to close the season and earn the full-time head coaching gig.
Just two days after relieving Pierce of his duties, the Raiders also fired general manager Tom Telesco after just the lone season.
It marks consecutive years where the Raiders have cleaned house. Las Vegas fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler last year.