The Lions’ Tom Brady, Ben Johnson’s eye-opener, amid the Raiders’ buzz

After the unexpected decision to fire Antonio Pierce, c Las Vegas Raiders he is getting closer to choosing his next coach. The team’s front office probably won’t find this new Raiders head coach. Instead, it could come from NFL legend and Raiders minority owner Tom Bradywho actively participated in the search. During the process, Brady and the Raiders were linked with Ben Johnsonoffensive coordinator for Detroit Lionswho seemed to be the leading candidate.

As Detroit prepares to face Washington’s commanders, Johnson revealed to journalists that he was in contact with Brady. However, according to Johnson, there wasn’t much to his conversation with the Raiders’ minority owner.

“I met him at a Packers game on the field,” Johnson said. “I saw him for a moment before the game. That’s the first time I met him. And that’s it.”

Brady, as the owner, has limits on how he interacts with Johnson in certain professional situations. Johnson said he wasn’t aware of any specific rules about how often he could talk to Brady. Even so, Brady’s commitment to his full-time career, which trumps his status as a minority owner, could mean that restrictions are not a significant issue.

Tom Brady is not breaking the rules to talk to Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson

That’s because Brady is both a broadcaster and co-owner of the Raiders. This dual role creates a unique hole for him. That allows him to evaluate Johnson for the head coaching position. Typically, a co-owner does not have this level of influence in head coaching searches. However, Brady’s high status in the NFL sets him apart. His participation in the process is considered exceptional.

Brady’s involvement is believed to have had a significant impact on Johnson’s decision to interview with the Raiders. As the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson has been highly selective about job offers since joining the coaching merry-go-round in 2023. Last year, he specifically withdrew from consideration for commanders, despite being a leading candidate. It will have a positive effect on Brady’s recruiting abilities if Johnson is willing to explore the Raiders’ position — despite the team’s lack of a reliable quarterback and uncertain ownership.

“This detour, I just, I was a lot more prepared for the types of questions they were asking,” Johnson said. “I also changed my attitude a bit. Instead of worrying solely about the offense and what we’re doing here, I’ve had the offseason and the summer to think about the big picture, what the program would look like where I’m leading it. That way, I am much more prepared for the questions that arise and it is much easier for me to answer them.”