Adam Schefter makes a compelling argument that Dan Campbell will be searching for two new coordinators whenever the Lions finish their season. And while Aaron Glenn could land with the Jets or Saints, don’t be so quick to predict Ben Johnson’s destination.
“I know everybody’s got Ben Johnson anointed to the Raiders,” Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show Friday. “I’m not in that camp right now. I’m going to have to believe it before I see it.”
The ESPN insider said Johnson has three realistic options: Las Vegas, Jacksonville and Chicago. So, if not the Raiders, the Jaguars?
“Why is everybody ignoring Chicago when it comes to Ben Johnson?” Schefter asked. “Why has that been just dispelled? I don’t get it. What am I missing here?”
It’s a good question. Since the Bears fired Matt Eberflus 24 hours after his curious clock-management cost Chicago a Thanksgiving upset at Detroit, observers have penciled in Johnson to the Bears. The quarterback is in place and Caleb Williams as a rookie showed more promise than a long line of recent first-round field generals. Williams also said this week that he’s looking for an offensive-minded guy.
“I know that this Raiders freight train has gathered a whole lot of steam,” Schefter continued, “and I don’t want to slow it down because, by the way, I want to say for the record, it could happen. He could be the coach there. But I am not convinced just yet that that’s going to be the way it’s going to be.”
The way it’s going to be could be Jacksonville, where the Jaguars also have an established quarterback looking for a spark, Trevor Lawrence. Insider Josina Anderson reported Thursday she believes the Jaguars are the best fit for Johnson. Unlike Chicago or Las Vegas, Jacksonville certainly has an easier-to-win division in the AFC South. And, Anderson noted, Tom Brady might be a micromanager.
“A league source says Johnson still has interest in exploring the opportunity in Jacksonville and inquiries are still being made for his staff and personnel template,” Anderson wrote Thursday in her piece for Bovada.
“How long before the experience with Brady turns from awesome to potentially meddlesome? Working with Brady in ownership could result in a match made in heaven. However, judging off current instincts, I currently think owner Shad Khan is less likely to impede Johnson’s process of building a football operation in his own vision. Additionally, Khan could still modify his current personnel structure to increase Johnson’s comfort.”
Johnson’s comfort last season reportedly wasn’t high with Washington, with some saying he preferred incumbent quarterback Sam Howell over Jayden Daniels, the eventual No. 2 selection in the draft. But wherever Johnson lands, one fact is certain. Unless Daniels and the Commanders upset Detroit on Saturday night in the divisional playoffs – and until the Lions finish their run – no team can hire him, at least officially. So settle in and enjoy the postseason – or follow another NFL reality show.
For more information on the Jaguars, Bears, Raiders or the NFL hiring cycle, visit the Jacksonville, Chicago and Las Vegas team pages, and Coach/GM Carousel page at ProFootballPost.com.
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