The Raiders are reportedly closing in on Ben Johnson, influenced by Tom Brady’s presence and a lucrative offer.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, many believe Johnson is the leading candidate, and there’s a strong feeling he might just get the job. This is quite a shift since Johnson has been selective about his coaching opportunities, turning down offers in previous seasons when he was a hot prospect.
People thought Johnson would lean towards teams with young quarterbacks, like the Bears with Caleb Williams or the Jaguars with Trevor Lawrence. But the Raiders don’t have that luxury, with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell taking most snaps last season. Still, they hold the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could bring in exciting talent like Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward.
Johnson recently interviewed with the Bears, Jaguars, and Raiders while the Lions had a bye week before their playoff game. Brady, as a minority owner, is said to have a big say in the coaching decision after pushing for the firing of head coach Antonio Pierce and GM Tom Telesco following a rough 4-13 season.
Radio host Dan Patrick mentioned that Brady’s “allure” is boosting the Raiders’ chances of landing Johnson, who has played a key role in reviving Jared Goff’s career and making the Lions a top offense. Pro Football Talk also noted that the Raiders have a “massive” offer on the table for Johnson, even though they haven’t fully complied with the Rooney Rule by interviewing two minority candidates in person.
With the Raiders among six teams still searching for a head coach, they’re in a competitive spot alongside the Bears, Jaguars, Jets, Saints, and Cowboys. Meanwhile, the Jets didn’t see Johnson as a fit and didn’t request an interview, while the Patriots have already hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach.
