Lions offensive coordinator heads to Chicago
The Las Vegas Raiders are back to square one in their head-coaching search as they saw top target Ben Johnson decide to join the Chicago Bears as their head coach Monday, the very first day he was eligible to accept a job.
There was heavy media-driven speculation that Johnson, the star 38-year-old offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, was the favorite to land as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders as they look to replace the fired Antonio Pierce. Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady was said to be leading the drive to sway Johnson, who met virtually with Las Vegas more than a week ago.
But, in the end, Johnson decided to stay in the NFC North and coach quarterback Caleb Williams, who was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024. The Raiders, of course, don’t have a clear path to a quarterback and that clearly as a major factor in Johnson’s decision.
Now, the Raiders, who are also going to hire a general manager, must move on in their search. There are seven other known candidates. They are former Seattle head coach Pete Carroll, Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Johnson and former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera.
The Raiders have already satisfied the Rooney Rule and can hire a new coach at any time.
