Seahawks Rumors: Lions’ Ben Johnson Requested for HC Interview amid Commanders Links

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 16, 2024

Mike Mulholland/Getty Images

The Seattle Seahawks requested to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Johnson is one of the most in-demand coaches on the market. Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post reported he’s scheduled to speak with the Washington Commanders on Friday, and The Athletic’s Joe Person reported he has a virtual meeting with the Carolina Panthers on the same day.

Seattle appears to be open to several different avenues as the organization looks to replace Pete Carroll. Here are some of the candidates who have been linked with the vacancy, a group that includes some former head coaches and coordinators on either side of the ball:

Dan Graziano @DanGrazianoESPNPer source, the Seahawks requested permission to interview Texans OC Bobby Slowik for their head coach opening. Slowik has been one of the most requested candidates for interviews so far this cycle, following his first year as an OC and the success he had with rookie QB CJ Stroud

Jeremy Fowler @JFowlerESPN#Panthers DC Ejiro Evero is set to interview with the #Seahawks on Wednesday, per source. Evero also has interviewed for Panthers and Falcons head jobs.

Tom Pelissero @TomPelisseroThe #Seahawks requested an interview with #Dolphins OC Frank Smith for their head coaching job, per source.

Albert Breer @AlbertBreerThe Seahawks will interview Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for their HC job on Thursday afternoon, per source. So he has Carolina and Tennessee on Wednesday, Washington and Seattle on Thursday, and the Chargers on Friday.

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefterSeahawks requested a head coaching interview with Giants’ offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, per source.

Tom Pelissero @TomPelisseroThe #Seahawks requested an interview with #Raiders DC Patrick Graham for their head coaching job, per source.

It’s the second HC request in this cycle for Graham, who already interviewed with the #Chargers.

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefterSeahawks requested a head coaching interview with Rams’ defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, per source.

During a press conference Tuesday, general manager John Schneider was asked whether he has any initial preference in terms of a coach’s specialization. While he declined to provide a definitive response, a portion of his comments could be telling.

Schneider explained how hiring a more seasoned defensive mind can present a challenge because you need a suitably strong offensive coach to balance out the staff. That offensive coordinator is then likely to get poached if the team performs well.

Dugar, Michael-Shawn @MikeDugarJohn Schneider was asked whether he prefers next #Seahawks HC to have certain background.

“Staff development and procurement, I think that’s extremely important regardless if it’s an offensive guy, defensive guy or special teams guy.”

Full quote: pic.twitter.com/6w1Q6A1gLh

Those quotes don’t guarantee Seattle will hire a fast-rising offensive coordinator, but that certainly seems to be where the front office would like to go.

Johnson certainly fits that bill. The Lions had a top-five offense in yards and points during the 2023 regular season, and Jared Goff has looked rejuvenated in his two years with Johnson as the offensive coordinator. The three-time Pro Bowler threw for 9,013 yards and 59 touchdowns between 2022 and 2023.

Especially if the Seahawks look to the draft for a long-term solution at quarterback, Johnson would be an ideal hire.

With the search still in the early stages, it’s impossible to draw too many conclusions about how this will end. More insight will come later in the week once Schneider can meet with his targets.