NFL coaching carousel: Ben Johnson reportedly ‘picking up way more steam’ for Las Vegas Raiders head coach opening

As the NFL coaching carousel starts to spin, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the top available names. But one landing spot is “picking up way more steam,” according to FOX Sports and NFL Network’s Peter Schrager.

The Las Vegas Raiders are emerging as a strong option for Johnson, Schrager said Saturday. That news came after he interviewed with the New England Patriots and just before he spoke with the Chicago Bears on Saturday morning.

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Johnson is one of the most sought-after head coach candidates this cycle after opting to return to Detroit last year despite interest from the Washington Commanders. He interviewed with the Raiders on Friday, the same day he spoke with the Patriots. The Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars scheduled virtual interviews on Saturday, and Chicago announced its completion Saturday morning.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported Johnson made a strong impression on Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. It’s safe to say, he’s squarely in the mix for the position.

“And while the coaching world can invite all sorts of craziness, sources say there is one particular team to keep an eye on for Johnson: the Las Vegas Raiders,” Rapoport wrote Saturday.

“He has quickly emerged as the candidate to watch for Las Vegas, as the Raiders — in a search that prominently includes limited partner Tom Brady — are willing to wait as long as it takes to secure their potential future head coach. Jed Hughes of the firm Korn Ferry is assisting with that search, according to me and NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo. Las Vegas is said to be enamored with Johnson, sources say.”

The Raiders’ job opened up after the franchise moved on from Antonio Pierce earlier this week. Ben Johnson isn’t the only candidate in the mix, though. The franchise is also set to interview former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. Carroll also spoke with the Bears and is emerging as a key figure in the NFL coaching carousel.

Las Vegas went 4-13 this past season and currently has the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Raiders’ struggles this season were largely due to the quarterback position. Gardner Minshew came in over the offseason to join Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas, but neither quarterback could get much going. The franchise also moved on from offensive coordinator Luke Getsy during the season amid the struggles. Still, there was a bright spot in Brock Bowers, who rewrote the rookie record books for a tight end.