Patriots Reportedly Request To Interview Premier Coaching Candidate

It’s interview season for the New England Patriots.

The Patriots are getting right to work looking for their next head coach after firing Jerod Mayo on Sunday, and reportedly want to get a closer look on a premier coaching candidate to fill the vacant spot.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, who cited a source, reported Monday morning that the Patriots have requested permission to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Johnson is expected to be one of the hottest names on the coaching market this offseason after the wonders he performed with the Lions offense. Johnson helped turn Jared Goff into a fringe MVP candidate while the Lions averaged an NFL-best 33.2 points per game this season.

The Patriots certainly see Johnson as someone who could further develop Drake Maye after the young quarterback displayed plenty of promise during his rookie season.

But just because the Patriots, who are expected to target Mike Vrabel as well, requested permission to interview doesn’t mean Johnson has to take the interview. The Athletic’s Diania Russini reported Johnson “made it very clear he’s not taking interviews with every organization looking for a head coach.”

It would seem that the Patriots would check plenty of boxes for Johnson. It wouldn’t be a surprise if an interview between the Patriots and Johnson happens quickly, either, since the Lions are on a bye week this week before trying to make a push toward the Super Bowl.