The Las Vegas Raiders have cast a wide net searching for their next head coach. They have interviewed both coordinators for the Detroit Lions, OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn. They also spoke to Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo, Ravens OC Todd Monken and several others.
Johnson is one candidate rumored to be a priority for many NFL teams. He's been floated as already having a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars and discussed as the league's "worst-kept secret."
However, while appearing on "The Pat McAfee Show," former NFL star cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones said several sources tell him that Johnson will be the Raiders head coach.
"Sources says that Ben Johnson is going to be the Raiders coach--like real good sources," said Jones with a big grin. "Like I'm talking about real good sources, as we shall say."
Jones and McAfee played college football at West Virginia, and the former cornerback has been a frequent guest on the show over the years. The Tennessee Titans selected Jones sixth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft.
NFL insider Adam Schefter said earlier on Monday's show with McAfee that he is "not in that camp" that believes Johnson is headed to Las Vegas.
"Why is everybody ignoring Chicago? ... Why has that just been dispelled?" asked Schefter.
Raiders owner Tom Brady talking to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
© Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Johnson has been the Lions' offensive coordinator since 2022. He joined the team's coaching staff in 2019 with head coach Dan Campbell and worked his way up from offensive quality control coach to tight ends coach to passing game coordinator before taking on the OC role.
Despite the Carolina Panthers' push to hire him as head coach before the 2023 season, Johnson chose to stay in Detroit.
He told Tim Twentyman during his Huddle podcast on his decision to remain in Detroit, “It starts with this place and these people. ... You know what, there are so many things going on here, so many good people, coaches, players. I love the offensive staff, everyone we have on board there. I love the players. I love coming into work every day. Coach Campbell is incredible. So, end of the day, talking with my family, it just made sense. It made sense, don’t ruin a good thing.”
However, Johnson appears to have finally decided to move on after the 2024 season ends.
