NFL Rumors: Latest on Ben Johnson, Jon Gruden, Mike Vrabel Amid Bears, Giants HC Buzz

The final week of the NFL brings with it renewed conversation surrounding vacant coaching positions and potential new hires.

The Monday after the regular season, typically referred to as "Black Monday" will see several under-performing coaches relieved of their duties and several potential replacements contacted for interviews.

Who are some of the candidates for top positions this offseason?

Find out in this collection of rumors and insider reports.

An NFL Return for Jon Gruden?

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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 21: Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Jon Gruden talks with two game officials before the College Football game between the Miami Hurricanes and the South Florida Bulls on September 21, 2024 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Jon Gruden has not appeared on the sidelines in the NFL since the 2021 but could be on his way back to a prominent head coaching role, per NFL media's Tom Pelissero.

The insider reported that several teams have done "extensive research" on Gruden about a possible return to coaching and that, had he wanted previously, he could have taken the New Orleans offensive coordinator job under head coach Dennis Allen, but he turned it down.

Gruden resigned in 2021 following an email scandal but has remained engaged in the game since then, enough for teams to at least consider doing their diligence while potentially pursuing him for their coaching vacancy.

He went 22-31 during his second stint with the Raiders, seemingly unable to recreate the magic he produced during his initial stint with the organization when he took them to the playoffs and had them on the verge of the Super Bowl in 2000 and '01.

It remains to be seen if Gruden is still the offensive guru he was earlier in his career, but his leadership and attitude may be exactly what long-suffering teams seeking a culture change are looking for.

No team has been identified as being interested in Gruden, but it is a testament to the respect owners have for him and his football mind that they would consider bringing him in.

Giants Eyeing Former Titans HC?

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 21: Consultant Mike Vrabel of the Cleveland Browns smiles on the field prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

NFL insider Albert Breer reported that the New York Giants will have interest in former Titans head coach and Browns consultant, Mike Vrabel.

Pelissero added that every team that has, or may have, a head coaching vacancy will consider the former New England Patriots linebacker.

Vrabel went 54-45 as a head coach in Tennessee and consistently had that organization in playoff contention. He even took the 2021 Titans to the AFC Championship Game, where they were eventually eliminated by the Super Bowl winners, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pelissero noted that the relationship with Tennessee fell apart last season, leading the team to want more of a collaborative partnership at the head coach position. Vrabel spent the 2024 season as a consultant to the Browns but remained a candidate for potential openings all year.

The Giants need an abundance of help offensively, as do the Patriots, another team that could take a look at Vrabel on the heels of an unsatisfactory season that culminated with a 40-7 loss to the Chargers in Week 17.

Whether they feel he is the guy to restore explosivity to those units and guide the organization to the top of the league is the question.

Regardless of where he ends up, Vrabel has proven the ability to take a young franchise in need of a reboot and turn them around into a playoff contender. Whether that is enough for the Giants, Pats, or Raiders to make the call and bring him in remains to be seen.

Bears, Caleb Williams Future Lies With Rival Offensive Coordinator?

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Pelissero also reported that Detroit Lions head coach Ben Johnson wants an opportunity where he can build sustained success, such as he and the staff have in the Motor City. The team most consistently connected to the offensive coordinator is the division-rival Chicago Bears.

As he has the last two seasons before opting to return to Detroit, Johnson will listen to offers.

Draft picks, cap space, a big market, and the raw talent of 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams make Chicago an intriguing destination, Pelissero noted.

Johnson has had the Lions in the top three in team offense over the past two seasons and has been a godsend for quarterback Jared Goff, who silenced critics and doubters with his play under the OC.

The Lions are an explosive, creative offense that has averaged over 400 yards per game this season and scored the most touchdowns in the league with 66. Johnson's schematic work has earned him the attention of organizations looking for a new coach and it is no surprise that Chicago, with a young signal-caller in Williams, would champ at the bit to sign him to guide its future.

Whether Johnson, who has turned down gigs each of the last two seasons to remain in Detroit with a team he believes can win the Super Bowl, decides to leave at all remains to be seen.