2 days agoThe New England Patriots have submitted a request to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their vacant head-coach position, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Johnson has long been viewed as a premier coaching candidate given his status as one of the league's top offensive masterminds. In fact, he seemed to be in line for a head coaching job last offseason before withdrawing his name and returning to the Lions for another season. Johnson's excellent work in Detroit has given him plenty of leverage, and he could have his choice of job and salary once again this offseason. As a result, New England won't be the only team attempting to court him. The Chicago Bears have already requested an interview with Johnson, and he'll likely speak to other teams within the next couple of weeks, too. The Patriots' interest isn't a surprise, but he might not be their top target. New England has been heavily linked to Mike Vrabel, who reportedly has a small coaching staff in place and ready to move to Foxborough. This entire interview process is somewhat uncharted territory for the modern-day Patriots, who enjoyed nearly 24 years of stability with Bill Belichick and did not interview any other candidates before hiring Jerod Mayo last offseason. Mayo was fired after his first season at the helm as the Patriots finished with a woeful 4-13 record.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBaller
Source: Tom Pelissero