The Las Vegas Raiders’ search for a new head coach is heating up, and all eyes are on Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is reportedly working behind the scenes to lure Johnson to Las Vegas, turning a once-unlikely pairing into a legitimate possibility.
Raiders Head Coaching Position Hangs Between Ben Johnson, Pete Carroll
According to insiders, Brady’s involvement in the Raiders’ hiring process has been crucial in discussions with Johnson, who initially wasn’t expected to consider the job. If Johnson opts out of the running, Raiders insider Vincent Bonsignore predicts Pete Carroll could become the team’s fallback option.
Bonsignore tweeted earlier today: “A lot of things lining up and pointing to Ben Johnson to the @Raiders. Nothing surprises me in this league, though. Some really good coaches have a chance to change things when they interview. But…”
A lot of things lining up and pointing to Ben Johnson to the @Raiders.
Nothing surprises me in this league, though.
Some really good coaches have a chance to change things when they interview.
But…
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) January 14, 2025
However, a fan replied to Bonsignore, shooting doubt toward Tom Brady’s intentions: “As much as you like Pete, I just can’t see Tom advocating for him over the hot, young OC.”
Bonsignore replied, “If Ben doesn’t want it, I believe Pete will get it.”
If Ben doesn’t want it I believe Pete gets it. https://t.co/q1YEiWyAWf
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) January 14, 2025
Carroll, a Super Bowl-winning coach and former Seahawks mastermind, would bring credibility and a strong leadership presence to the organization. His arrival could signal a complete culture shift for the Silver and Black in a challenging AFC West landscape with elite coach-quarterback duos like Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes and Sean Payton-Bo Nix.
Now, back to the frontrunner, Johnson — he is one of the NFL’s top young coaching minds and had made it clear he preferred teams with a long-term quarterback solution or a clear path to securing one. While the Raiders don’t check that box just yet, their No. 6 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and $107.3 million in salary cap space could pave the way for a major roster overhaul.
Raiders have multiple options in their sights, and if rumors are to be believed, they might target Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, or Sam Darnold to overhaul the quarterback room.
Insiders like ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer have pointed to Brady’s relentless efforts as a game-changer in the coaching hunt. Breer revealed that Johnson had initially planned to interview with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots, but Brady’s personal appeal convinced him to meet with the Raiders.
“Brady’s sell job, through intermediaries, made the difference,” Breer wrote, highlighting the GOAT’s growing influence within the franchise.
The Raiders are desperate for stability, and involving Brady’s key decisions is one of their first steps. Their roster lacks direction, but Brady’s involvement and the incentive of Nevada’s tax-friendly environment could make the franchise an attractive destination for top coaching candidates and even athletes.
MORE: NFL Analyst Predicts Tom Brady’s Raiders Will Land the Top Head Coach Candidate
Whoever takes the reins in Las Vegas will face a battle rebuilding the Raiders into contenders. With Brady pulling the strings and the franchise having resources at its disposal, the next head coach will be expected to turn things around from the start.