Falcons Interview Lions’ OC Ben Johnson Just Before the Deadline

Sunday unfolded as a big day for Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.

In the afternoon clash, Johnson steered the Lions’ offense to an impressive 391 yards, clinching a decisive 31-23 victory over Tampa Bay. This triumph marked Detroit’s first NFC title game berth since the 1991 season.

Following the victorious performance, Johnson, recognized as one of the most sought-after candidates in the current coaching cycle, concluded a virtual interview with the Atlanta Falcons for the team’s vacant head coaching position.

Johnson’s Candidacy and Timing

Timing played a crucial role as Johnson and the Falcons managed to complete the interview just before the deadline. This sets the stage for a potential second interview with Detroit during the bye week between the conference title games and Super Bowl LVIII, provided the Lions triumph over San Francisco in the NFC title game, paving the way for the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance.

To qualify for a second interview, Johnson and the Falcons had to wrap up the initial interview by Sunday evening, which they successfully did. The club officially announced the completion of the interview just after 10 p.m. ET.

At 37 years old, Johnson became the 13th candidate to interview for the Falcons’ coaching position following the firing of Arthur Smith on Jan. 8. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported a potential 14th candidate, former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who is scheduled for an interview this week.

Atlanta Falcons’ Coaching Search

Thus far, the lone candidate who has undergone two interviews with Atlanta is former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Belichick, alongside Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, had the unique privilege of meeting with Atlanta in person before Monday.

On Saturday, a source disclosed that the Falcons were considering scheduling a second interview with Harbaugh. Another source familiar with Atlanta’s search, not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed on Saturday that the head-coaching search remains “wide open.”

Interview Process and Candidates

Starting Monday, candidates from NFL teams whose seasons have concluded become eligible for in-person interviews. Among the initial interviewees, this includes Belichick, Harbaugh, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Philadelphia offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Buffalo interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and Houston offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

Expanded Candidate Pool

Further possibilities emerge for in-person interviews during the bye week if their teams advance to the Super Bowl. Ben Johnson, Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Baltimore assistant head coach Anthony Weaver, and Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald fall into this category, having completed initial interviews with Atlanta before Jan. 22.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Falcons’ interest in conducting an in-person interview with Callahan. This marks a potential second interview for the coach known for developing quarterbacks Joe Burrow in Cincinnati and Matthew Stafford during Stafford’s tenure with the Lions. Fowler also reported that Callahan is set for an in-person interview with the Titans on Monday, with the Panthers expressing similar interest in an in-person interview.

This report used information from ESPN.