When Ben Johnson Likely Will Have First Interview With Patriots

The New England Patriots began their search for the franchise’s next head coach immediately following the firing of Jerod Mayo on Sunday.

The Patriots reportedly requested an interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is arguably the top candidate for several coaching vacancies, on Monday morning.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Tuesday afternoon that the Lions have given Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn a window of Thursday through Saturday to schedule potential interviews. All initial interviews will have to be completed virtually, according to Breer.

The Patriots and Chicago Bears already scheduled interviews with Johnson and another top candidate, New England Super Bowl champion Mike Vrabel. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars also requested an interview with Johnson.

Johnson is expected to be extremely selective about the teams he interviews with. According to Breer, the highly sought-after offensive coordinator will only entertain teams that fit his criteria, which puts the Patriots in a good position to woo Johnson away from the Lions.