As anticipated, the Detroit Lions face the potential loss of their top coordinators, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, in 2025. Both coaches have attracted significant interest for head coaching positions, with numerous teams looking to interview them. While the Lions were on a bye last week, both Johnson and Glenn participated in virtual interviews with several teams.
Johnson is reportedly the frontrunner for head coaching vacancies with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and Las Vegas Raiders. Glenn, on the other hand, has had interviews with the Bears, Raiders, Jaguars, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints. However, due to league regulations, all these interviews were virtual. If the Lions are eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday night, both coaches can begin in-person interviews.
In the event that the Lions make it past the divisional round and into the NFC Championship Game, Johnson and Glenn would not be permitted to speak with any teams during the lead-up to that game. However, if the Lions advance to the Super Bowl, the coordinators will be able to meet with teams during the week leading up to the championship, allowing them to discuss head coaching opportunities.
The timeline for these events is crucial, as teams are eager to finalize their head coaching hires as early as possible to start building their new regimes. Until the Lions are knocked out of the playoffs, teams interested in Johnson and Glenn are stuck in a holding pattern.
Regarding Ben Johnson’s candidacy, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports growing speculation that Johnson is the leading candidate for the Raiders’ head coaching job. According to Rapoport, there is widespread belief among people connected to the Raiders’ search that Johnson is likely to land the job. While the Raiders haven’t met the official requirements to hire him yet, the sense is that Johnson is heading in that direction.
Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore echoed this sentiment, mentioning that there is “a lot of momentum” building for Johnson to join the Raiders. However, some insiders, such as ESPN’s Adam Schefter and FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, have cautioned against assuming Johnson’s move to Las Vegas is a certainty. Schefter expressed doubts, pointing out that Johnson has multiple potential options, including the Jaguars and Bears, and that Chicago should not be overlooked in this race.
In contrast, Josina Anderson of Bovada reported that Johnson still has interest in the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the team continues to inquire about his staff and personnel preferences. Former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones, however, has claimed that he believes Johnson is set to join the Raiders, offering a different perspective.
Turning to Aaron Glenn, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones suggests that the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints could be the most likely destinations for Glenn. Jones reported that Glenn had an excellent week of interviews and that both the Jets and Saints are strongly considering him for their head coaching vacancies. Glenn’s deep connections to both teams are key, having played for the Jets and coached with the Saints, which could give him an advantage in securing either job.
