In recent days, the Raiders have emerged as the presumed destination for Ben Johnson with respect to his high-profile head coaching candidacy. The Lions’ offensive coordinator still has other suitors, of course, and the Jaguars are among 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 of course 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 take place once the divisional round ends; Johnson could participate in such a meeting with interested teams during the bye week leading up to the Super Bowl should the Lions make it to the title game.
As the watch for further developments on the Raiders front continues, Bovada’s Josina Anderson reports Johnson remains interested in “exploring” the Jaguars’ vacancy. She adds the Jags continue to ask about how a potential Johnson-led staff would look, an indication that feeling is still mutual. Jacksonville moved on from an offense-oriented head coach (Doug Pederson) at the end of the season, but doubling down on that side of the ball would of course be a move aimed at – among other things – maximizing quarterback Trevor Lawrence‘s potential.
Anderson adds that Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand would likely be a name to watch regarding potential offensive coordinator hires in the event Johnson were to take the Jaguars’ gig. Hiring an experienced defensive coordinator would be expected in that event, per Anderson, something which would 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 may see another front office staffer added during the hiring cycle) will need to pivot to other candidates if Johnson drops out of the running or lands elsewhere. This connection still persists as the 2025 coaching landscape takes shape, though.
Via PFR’s HC search tracker, here is 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 remains
- 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
Better fit than Raiders who have no QB, no RB
The downside is he’d be stuck with a horrible GM, as well as Trevor Lawrence and his contract. If that QB can’t be fixed, that would severely hinder success. In Vegas he could basically build his own team from scratch.
Only hope to save T Law
This guy is sitting in such a great position. He can still express interest in multiple jobs and let the bidding war drive up his price.
Unless they open up the brinks truck and dump a ton of money in his lap I wouldn’t touch that job with a 1000 foot pole. Mediocre qb, terrible ownership… they do have a few exciting young players at wr and on the dl…. I’ll give them that.
Far better than the Raiders situation. Lawrence has shown his capability to perform much better. Raiders do not have a QB.
No team is hiring an offensive hc until Ben decides. Brady, Coen, McCarthy and Monken are 2nd options for any team that interviewed Johnson.
Wherever he decides to go, should he decide to go, he should make sure he has sufficient offset language that should he join the 2 and out pattern that the prospective suitors have displayed, he doesn’t repay or lose from his HC contract should he return to being an OC.
It was this type of language that allowed Matt Patricia to take odd jobs with the Patriots and continue getting HC pay from the Lions.