Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, met virtually with the New England Patriots on Friday, the most recent of four candidates they have interviewed for the head coaching position.
Since there are no known interviews left, we must wait for Foxborough to make a choice, which Dianna Russini of The Athletic claims could happen this weekend.
According to the insider, “The Patriots are pushing for a quick resolution to their HC search,” posted on Saturday morning on X (previously Twitter). “Many around the league expect a decision this weekend.”
Lions OC Ben Johnson interviewed well with the Patriots but plans to meet with other teams. Meanwhile, the Patriots are pushing for a quick resolution to their HC search, per source. Many around the league expect a decision this weekend.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 11, 2025
Following a lone 4-13 season and the dismissal of head coach Jerod Mayo last Sunday, New England has since interviewed Mike Vrabel, Pep Hamilton, Byron Leftwich, and Johnson for the open post. Tuesday’s in-person sessions with Hamilton and Leftwich, two minority candidates, have drawn a lot of criticism for their hasty compliance with the Rooney Rule.
Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Lions, declined to speak with the Patriots this week, presumably because of the move.
Vrabel has always been the clear favorite for the position. Inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame last October, the 49-year-old was a First-team All-Pro linebacker in 2007 and played in New England from 2001 to 2008.
Vrabel served as the Tennessee Titans head coach from 2018-23 and was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame last October.
During his tenure as head coach, Vrabel guided the Tennessee Titans to a 56-48 record from 2018 to 2023. In addition to leading the team to three consecutive postseason appearances and a participation in the 2019 AFC Championship Game, he was voted the NFL Coach of the Year in 2021.
This past Thursday, Vrabel met with the Patriots in Boston. We’ll have to wait and see if he performed well enough to be named the next head coach of his old squad this weekend.
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