After missing out on Ben Johnson, Raiders HC hunt stumbles along

The search for the next Las Vegas Raiders head coach stumbles along. 

Last Wednesday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vincent Bonsignore reported "momentum building" for Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be named HC. That connection seemed to make sense, especially after minority owner Tom Brady convinced Johnson to listen to the Raiders, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

However, on Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Johnson will become Chicago Bears head coach.

That's embarrassing for the Raiders, who are a year removed from their failed pursuit of former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury for offensive coordinator. Kingsbury became Washington Commanders OC and now Las Vegas has been jilted by Johnson.

So, what now?

The Raiders should not settle for former Seattle Seahawks HC Pete Carroll, who Pro Football Talk Mike Florio suggested may be in Las Vegas' sights.

Carroll, 73, had a successful run with the Seahawks (137-89-1), but a major rebuild doesn't seem to fit his style. Las Vegas' QB situation is murky, hardly the ideal spot for a coach such as Carroll.

Per USA Today, besides Carroll, the Raiders have interviewed Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Las Vegas has yet to interview Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who might be the best candidate of the bunch. Coen helped Bucs QB Baker Mayfield have a terrific season (4,500 passing yards, 41 TDs in 2024).

Per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Jacksonville Jaguars will interview Coen for their vacant HC spot. 

It's baffling why the Raiders haven't contacted Coen, who is young (39) and has a good track record working with QBs. In 2022, he served as Los Angeles Rams OC and worked with QB Matthew Stafford.