Ben Johnson becoming the next Las Vegas Raiders head coach feels like the worst-kept secret in all of sports.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has played a major role in convincing Johnson to interview with the team, and they are reportedly enamored with the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator.
Comments from Ian Rapoport also suggest that Johnson to the Raiders feels like a done deal. Nothing is official, however, until the Lions’ season comes to an end.
However, that has not stopped the speculation surrounding Johnson from swirling, and analysts are already starting to wonder who will join him on his coaching staff.
While the Raiders have other questions to answer this offseason, having Johnson as a presumed head coach makes it easier to connect people to spots on the coaching staff.
With Johnson having an offensive focus, who he chooses as offensive coordinator will ensure that there is a clear identity on that side of the ball.
Here are three candidates that could be patrolling the Raiders sideline with Johnson next season:
Tanner Engstrand, Detroit Lions passing game coordinator
One of the more obvious candidates to succeed Johnson as Lions offensive coordinator, Engstrand will be a popular name to follow him to Las Vegas as well.
Engstrand followed a similar path to Johnson, going from offensive analyst to tight ends coach to passing game coordinator. Engstrand has also served as offensive coordinator before with the DC Defenders of the XFL.
Interestingly enough, Engstrand is also a disciple of Jim Harbaugh, as he worked with him at both the University of San Diego and University of Michigan. That background, combined with head coach Dan Campbell’s culture-building, is a strong foundation to build off of.
Also important to know is Engstrand was in high demand last season, with both the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks interviewing him for their offensive coordinator positions last offseason.
While Engstrand could easily choose to stay in Detroit, the allure of teaming up with Johnson in Las Vegas may be too strong to ignore.
Hank Fraley, Lions offensive line coach
While choosing an offensive line coach as offensive coordinator feels like a bold choice, there is reason to believe Fraley is the favorite for the job.
When Johnson was interviewed by the Washington Commanders for their head coaching job last offseason, rumors indicated that Fraley was his preferred choice for offensive coordinator.
Lions OL coach Hank Fraley is from Gaithersburg. It’s suggested here he will be Ben Johnson’s OC wherever he ends up in 2024. pic.twitter.com/Mt6MGgqhq0
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) January 22, 2024
It is unclear if that remains the case, but Fraley has remained an integral part of the Lions’ success. He has helped develop the likes of Penei Sewell, turning the offensive line into arguably the best in the league.
That success has been noted by the league, as Fraley has already interviewed for the Seahawks for their offensive coordinator position.
It is not a matter of it, but when Fraley is given a shot as an offensive coordinator. Having Johnson on board would give the Raiders the advantage.
Josh Grizzard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers passing game coordinator
This does assume that Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek is the favorite for the Raiders’ GM job, but Grizzard is a strong candidate regardless.
He also has a connection with Johnson, as Grizzard was on the Miami Dolphins’ coaching staff with him from 2017-18 before Johnson went to Detroit.
Grizzard was hired this past offseason by the Buccaneers, and his work has been instrumental in creating one of the best offenses in the league.
He has earned the praise of head coach Todd Bowles for his creativity on offense and, should offensive coordinator Liam Coen get a head coaching job, Grizzard stands as the heir apparent.
If Spytek gets the job, and both he and Johnson agree on his fit in their shared vision, do not be surprised if Grizzard emerges as a real dark horse.
Tom Brady, Raiders reportedly ‘enamored’ with head coaching candidate
