BREAKING: Falcons Request Interview with Lions' Ben Johnson
The Atlanta Falcons are making moves towards finding their next head coach.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been requested for an interview by the team.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches warm up before the Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Johnson, 37, has risen to prominence for his work as the Lions' coordinator the past over the past two seasons. Since assuming the reins of a Lions' offense that was near the bottom of the league in points per game in 2021, Johnson has helped transform Detroit from perennial bottom feeders to legitimate contenders.
Johnson's rising stardom has seen considered by many one of the top head coaching candidates for this offseason. If the Falcons do make him a target, they could find competition from their NFC South rival, the Carolina Panthers, who, after firing Frank Reich midseason, are reportedly making another run at the Lions play-caller.
"Owner David Tepper is going to try again for Ben Johnson, according to a league source," The Athletic's Dianna Russini recently wrote. "The play-caller is open to the job and will also be meeting with other teams that are expected to show interest, the source said."
This isn't the first time that the Panthers have made a run at trying to hire Johnson, as they tried last offseason, albeit unsuccessfully, as the 37-year-old opted to stay in Detroit for another year.
While it seems unlikely that Johnson would stay in Detroit for yet another season, he could turn the Panthers away again, this time in favor of the Falcons. Following a third-straight 7-10 season under Smith, the Falcons will have another top-10 NFL Draft pick that could only add to a roster that already boasts three straight selections offensively.
Combining the Falcons' draft pick and their roster, it seems Atlanta could be a much more enticing option for Johnson or any other potential coaching candidate when compared to their NFC South counterpart.
