Patriots Cannot Be Scared Away From This In Ben Johnson Interview

The New England Patriots need to make their head coaching search widespread and diverse. That includes listening to a variety of candidates in weighing the direction of the franchise.

It’s totally understandable why Mike Vrabel feels like the front-runner to succeed Jerod Mayo. He probably is the right guy for the job and New England will probably agree.

With that said, one interview stands out in magnitude that the Patriots need to take incredibly seriously in their search and that’s with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

The Lions reached new levels of offensive efficiency with a proficient pass game and dynamic success on the ground with the two-headed running back monster of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Detroit won 27 games over the last two regular seasons and Johnson is a massive reason why.

Johnson would take his first head coaching job this offseason if he eventually does move on from a momentous run with the Lions. He’s a brilliant offensive mind that follows the direction of the sport and can finally modernize the stagnant Patriots attack. He’s the dream for a talented quarterback like Drake Maye and could be a great match.

The important step for the Patriots in this process is learning from Johnson, whether they hire him or not. Additionally, he should not be immediately dismissed for Vrabel just because their rookie head coach in Mayo, who will have more success in the NFL coaching realm down the road, did not deliver results or lock in sustainable culture in 2024.

Now, there is plenty of validity to hiring an adult in Vrabel in the head coaching realm. He already led a team to a No. 1 seed and a conference title game during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. If the Patriots are truly in on their former linebacker, then make the decisive hire.

But do not pass on Johnson solely for his rookie status as a potential head coach.