Report: Lions OC Ben Johnson's Interest in Raiders, Bears, Jaguars HC Jobs 'Is Real'

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who has been the subject of head coaching hiring rumors for years, could finally take the jump this offseason.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer wrote Monday that he thinks Johnson "is much more ready to take a job now than he was the past couple of years."

"I don't know if losing the way Detroit did might lure him back for one last run with Campbell, but I do know his interest in the Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars jobs is real," Breer wrote.

NFL insider Josina Anderson reported Johnson is believed to be "deeply considering" the Bears job:

The Lions, who earned a first-round bye after finishing the regular season as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, were eliminated Saturday after being upset by the Washington Commanders in the Divisional round.

The early exit means both Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who have both been the subject of hiring rumors this winter, can begin seriously considering jobs outside of Detroit.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported earlier this month that Raiders minority owner Tom Brady "has been doing all he can to woo Johnson" as a replacement for former head coach Antonio Pierce.

Jones then reported after the Lions' surprise playoff exit that the Raiders "are going to make a big push in the coming days" to hire Johnson.

ESPN's Adam Schefter meanwhile reported Sunday that the Raiders were interviewing former Lions executive Lance Newmark for their open general manager position. Newmark is "said to have a strong relationship" with Johnson and Glenn, Schefter noted.

Breer called the reported Newmark interview "proof positive of how serious Johnson is" about considering the open Raiders position.

"Tom Brady's been a difference-maker in Vegas's pursuit," Breer added.

NBC Sports' Mike Florio previously reported that Johnson will prioritize "alignment" with a team's front office when making his decision as to which position to pursue for 2025.

The Jaguars have so far retained general manager Trent Baalke after firing head coach Doug Pederson, but Breer recently reported he would "guess that Trent Baalke is gone" if Johnson is hired.

Johnson has also been tied to the head coaching vacancy in Chicago throughout the season, although general manager Ryan Poles is still in place with the Bears.

Given that the Raiders and Jaguars could change their front office decisions based on Johnson's answer, whichever decision he ultimately makes will impact the 2025 hiring cycle not just for head coaches but for general managers as well.