In recent days, the Raiders have emerged because the presumed destination for Ben Johnson with respect to his high-profile head coaching candidacy. The Lions’ offensive coordinator still has other suitors, after all, and the Jaguars are amongst them.
Prior to the news strongly tying Johnson to Vegas, Jacksonville was reported to be “all in” on hiring him. Neither the Raiders nor the Jags have made a hire yet, and Johnson will after all not be available to officially take the position with either franchise until the Lions are eliminated from the playoffs. In-person interviews with coaches whose team’s seasons have ended can happen once the divisional round ends; Johnson could take part in such a gathering with interested teams through the bye week leading as much as the Super Bowl should the Lions make it to the title game.
Because the look ahead to further developments on the Raiders front continues, Bovada’s Josina Anderson reports Johnson stays excited by “exploring” the Jaguars’ emptiness. She adds the Jags proceed to ask about how a possible Johnson-led staff would look, a sign that feeling continues to be mutual. Jacksonville moved on from an offense-oriented head coach (Doug Pederson) at the top of the season, but doubling down on that side of the ball would after all be a move geared toward – amongst other things – maximizing quarterback Trevor Lawrence‘s potential.
Anderson adds that Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand would likely be a reputation to look at regarding potential offensive coordinator hires within the event Johnson were to take the Jaguars’ gig. Hiring an experienced defensive coordinator can be expected in that event, per Anderson, something which might come as no surprise given the team’s struggles on that side of the ball in 2024. Jacksonville owner Shad Khan and general manager Trent Baalke (who, to the surprise of many, was retained but might even see one other front office staffer added through the hiring cycle) might want to pivot to other candidates if Johnson drops out of the running or lands elsewhere. This connection still persists because the 2025 coaching landscape takes shape, though.
Via PFR’s HC search tracker, here’s a have a look at Jacksonville’s situation:
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interview requested
- Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/15; early contender?
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): To interview 1/17
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/11
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed 1/11
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/11; mutual interest stays
- Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Rumored candidate, won’t interview until after season
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/16
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview 1/17
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/14
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Patriots
