Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

The Patriots have requested to meet with current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson, one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds is rumored to have interest in the job and is only taking interviews with teams that he thinks he has a legitimate shot of landing the job.

Johnson actually has some local ties. After playing quarterback at North Carolina, he spent three seasons as a graduate assistant under Frank Spaziani at Boston College 2009 to 2011. He was then hired as an offensive assistant by the Miami Dolphins where he coached from 2012 to 2018. under Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell and Adam Gase. He served as quarterbacks coach and receivers coach. He was hired by the Lions in 2019 by Matt Patricia. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022.

Johnson is known for running a diverse system that emphasizes physicality but also a big play vertical passing and a use of gadget plays and specials. He has run some of the best trick plays in the NFL the past two seasons including tackle passes and hook and laterals.

Hook and Lateral play vs. the 49ers (Courtesy of Coach Dan Casey)

Johnson has been a top candidate for the past two seasons but has been very selective in terms of taking interviews. He stayed in Detroit after last season because he wanted to help the Lions get to the Super Bowl. The Lions clinched at the NFC’s top seed on Sunday night after a 31-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings. 

Johnson can interview with the Patriots this week. Expect confirmation of that interview at some point this week.