NFL Trade Rumors: New England Patriots Could Hire Head Coach 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
The Patriots have an opening after firing previous head coach Jerod Mayo immediately following the regular season. Per Russini, the Patriots had a good meeting with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. They've also interviewed former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, former Houston Texans OC Pep Hamilton, and even former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.
Johnson is arguably the hottest coaching candidate on the market. His Lions finished the 2024 season scoring an NFL-best 33.2 points per game and excelled through the air (7.7 net yards per passing attempt, second in the league) and on the ground (4.7 rushing yards per attempt, ninth in the league). He's no one-year wonder, either: the Lions are the only team in the league to have finished in the top five for points scored in each of the past three seasons.
Johnson would be a good choice to develop the Patriots' second-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, quarterback Drake Maye. Maye impressed as a rookie thanks to dazzling physical tools, but the Patriots finished 30th in the league in points scored with 17.0 per game, and the young passer won only one game in which he played more than a half. Johnson notably turned around the career of quarterback Jared Goff after he was cast aside by the Los Angeles Rams. Goff has passed for 267.5 yards per game and 7.19 net yards per attempt over the past three seasons and amassed a 36-15 record over that span.
Vrabel is also a logical fit. As a hard-nosed, versatile linebacker and occasional tight end, Vrabel won three Super Bowls with the Patriots. He went on to amass a 54-45 record and three playoff appearances as the head coach of the Titans from 2018 to 2023. Vrabel is a stabilizing presence and culture-setter who would be a good match for a Patriots team that takes pride in its legacy.
If the Patriots are truly looking to move quickly, they may not be able to wait around for Johnson. The Lions are currently enjoying their first-round bye and appear poised for a deep postseason run. If an announcement is truly coming this weekend, then Vrabel may very well be the Patriots' man.
Photo Credit: © Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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