Patriots interview Lions OC Ben Johnson for coaching vacancy—what’s his fate?
The New England Patriots are actively pursuing their next head coach, having recently completed an interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. This marks the fourth candidate to be interviewed for the position created by the firing of Jerod Mayo earlier this season. Johnson’s interview on Friday brings the Patriots one step closer to filling the vacancy.
Previous Interviews and Candidates
Before interviewing Johnson, the Patriots completed interviews with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, former Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Johnson’s interview was conducted virtually, as the NFC’s top-seeded Lions are focused on their upcoming playoff games. In contrast, the other three interviews were in person, with Vrabel meeting with team officials on Thursday.
Johnson, 36, has been with the Lions since 2022 and has proven himself as a key figure in Detroit’s offensive success. Prior to his current role, he spent seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins, gaining valuable experience across various coaching positions. Under his leadership, the Lions led the NFL in touchdowns scored this season, and over the past three seasons, they have consistently finished among the top 5 in scoring.
Vrabel: A Fan Favorite and Head Coaching Experience
Among the candidates, Mike Vrabel is the most familiar to Patriots fans. Vrabel, who played for New England for eight seasons and was a crucial part of its first three Super Bowl-winning teams, is considered by many as the preferred candidate. The former linebacker was inducted into the Patriots’ Hall of Fame in 2023, a testament to his contributions to the team during his playing career.
Vrabel brings head coaching experience, which sets him apart from the other candidates. Over six seasons as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, he compiled a 56-48 overall record. His tenure included a 2-3 playoff record, with an AFC Championship appearance in 2019 and three consecutive postseason berths. Vrabel’s deep connection to the Patriots franchise and his coaching success make him a standout option for team owner Robert Kraft.
Kraft’s Criteria for the New Coach
Kraft has emphasized the importance of finding a coach who meets a variety of needs for the Patriots. “You need someone who players can relate to and respond to,” Kraft said. “But they also need to have a team around them that has product knowledge, in-game adjustments, and a clear understanding of their system. It’s all about bringing those elements together.”
Vrabel’s experience, both as a player and a coach, may give him the edge in fulfilling these requirements. His understanding of the Patriots’ culture and ability to lead a team makes him a compelling choice to step into the role.
Leftwich and Hamilton: Long Shots with Strong Credentials
While Vrabel and Johnson are considered strong contenders for the position, Leftwich and Hamilton are viewed as long shots. However, both have impressive resumes that could still make them viable candidates.
Byron Leftwich, who served as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator during Tom Brady’s Super Bowl win in 2020, has proven his ability to lead an offense to success on the biggest stage. Leftwich’s leadership played a significant role in the Bucs’ championship victory, which remains a strong credential in his favor.
Pep Hamilton, who has had multiple coaching stints, was the offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, when the team ranked in the NFL’s top 15 in points scored. While Hamilton’s credentials are solid, his experience may not carry the same weight as the other candidates, making him a less likely choice.
The Next Steps in the Search
As the Patriots continue their search for a new head coach, it is clear that the decision will carry significant weight for the future of the franchise. With a mix of head coaching experience, offensive expertise, and familiarity with the Patriots’ culture, the team is looking for someone who can build on New England’s legacy of success and lead them to future championships.
With interviews ongoing and more discussions ahead, the Patriots are narrowing down their list of candidates, with Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel, Byron Leftwich, and Pep Hamilton all vying for the coveted position. The next few days will be crucial in determining who will ultimately take the reins as the Patriots’ next head coach.
The New England Patriots’ coaching search is heating up, with Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel, and other strong candidates all under consideration. With a clear focus on finding a coach who can lead the team to success in the post-Bill Belichick era, the Patriots are preparing for a pivotal decision. As interviews continue, the team’s future direction hangs in the balance, with the ideal candidate poised to guide them into a new chapter of their storied history.
