Report: Latest on Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn Links to Bears, Patriots, Jets and Saints

While the Detroit Lions have a bye in the opening round of the NFL playoffs, their top coordinators could have a busy week ahead.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the Chicago Bears have requested to interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn as part of their coaching search.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka are on Chicago's list, too.

Pelissero also reported Johnson is a candidate for the New England Patriots.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Glenn is expected to be a formal candidate for the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints.

On the Jets, Johnson reportedly isn't on their radar at this point because his lack of interest in the job was communicated to the organization:

The Lions managed to retain Johnson and Glenn last offseason. The former spurned interest from the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders to stay in the Motor City, while the latter was a finalist for Washington before it hired Dan Quinn.

Now, Detroit could plausibly lose both coordinators within a matter of weeks since they have boosted their stock further in 2024.

The Lions averaged the most points (33.2) and second-most yards (409.5) during the regular season. Quarterback Jared Goff set career highs in touchdown passes (37), passer rating (111.8) and QBR (68.5), per Pro Football Reference. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also had the fifth-most rushing yards (1,412) despite splitting carries with David Montgomery.

While he didn't state emphatically he intends to move on from Detroit, Johnson made it clear he aspires to be an NFL head coach at some point.

"Yeah, I'd say this, I think there's a burning desire in every man to find what he's made out of, push the limits and see if he's got what it takes," he told reporters in December. "So, yeah, there's a fire there. Now, when that time is, I don't know when that'll be, but there's certainly a fire there."

Glenn, meanwhile, saw his defense decimated by injuries over the course of the season and still maintained a high standard with the unit.

The Lions ranked seventh in points allowed (20.1 per game) and forced 24 turnovers, which tied for 10th.

Their defense stepped up Sunday to help clinch an NFC North title. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold went 18-of-41 for 166 yards, while star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was held to 54 yards on three catches in Detroit's 31-9 win.

With the offseason just kicking into gear for the teams in need of a new head coach, Johnson and Glenn's list of suitors is only likely to grow.