NFL Insider Drops Significant Note On Patriots’ Ben Johnson Interview

The Patriots reportedly will interview Ben Johnson on Friday, and a decision could be made quickly soon after.

New England confirmed it interviewed Mike Vrabel on Thursday. The former Tennesee Titans head coach is viewed as the “heavy favorite” to fill the head coaching vacancy, and it’s a sentiment seemingly felt around the league.

However, insiders aren’t ruling out Johnson, who reportedly has a “genuine” interest in the Patriots gig.

“Patriots are open to being blown away by Johnson today,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler posted on X on Friday. “No other known interviews scheduled after that, and Mike Vrabel looms large as a prime candidate. Today feels like a pivotal day.”

Fowler noted this week that he believes executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf could work well with Johnson. And New England seems to fit the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator’s reported wants and needs for a team. Fowler’s note also aligns with other reporting that said Johnson has a shot to usurp Vrabel as the favorite for the job.

The Patriots reportedly could decide on a head coach by next week, so it appears Robert Kraft and the rest of the front office are only deciding between Vrabel and Johnson.