Pats needed an answer to this important question during the interview with Ben Johnson that originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots announced Friday that they had completed an interview for their head coaching vacancy with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
We wrote earlier this week that Johnson was at a disadvantage compared to Mike Vrabel — the other top prospect interviewed by the Patriots this week — for several reasons. The primary? He is an unknown asset as the leader of a coaching staff.
After speaking with multiple sources around the league, there was one question that came up when it came to projecting Johnson as head coach: How exactly would he manage his time as head coach?
Johnson is regarded by those who know him as a brilliant attacking mind.
“As good as there is as a coach,” said a former colleague. “Demanding. Difficult to work for. So smart [expletive].”
🔊 Next Pats Podcast: Why Mike Vrabel has a REAL advantage over Ben Johnson in the Patriots search | Listen and subscribe | Check out YouTube
Johnson’s track record as an offensive coordinator in Detroit speaks for itself. He can afford to be picky when it comes to his next landing spot, and he has been. He reportedly came close to taking the top job in Washington last year before re-signing with the Lions for another season. They now possess both a historically efficient offense and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
The Patriots job is one he would covet, thanks in part to the presence of 22-year-old quarterback Drake Maye. And the Patriots are interested in him, making him their fourth interview this week after talking to Vrabel, Pep Hamilton and Byron Leftwich.
The team’s interview with Johnson generally had to take place via video conference and could last a maximum of three hours. Did they get a good idea of ​​Johnson’s philosophies as a head coach? Did they like the sound of his projected list of assistants? And have they come to understand how he would divide the many responsibilities that come with the job if Johnson continues to make plays?
Johnson has a reputation for being an extremely diligent worker and someone who is not afraid to add more to his plate when something under his purview does not meet his standards. He expects a lot from his players and coaches on the offensive side of things in Detroit. But how well will he delegate in a new, more comprehensive role? While he strives for the perfect game plan offensively every week, when will he make time for the countless knocks on his door as a point of contact for the latest conversations about the wider day-to-day football operation?
The questions about how Johnson will handle the media in New England are important. He is seen by some as an introverted relative to some of his fellow coaches. He might prefer to work behind the scenes and tinker with his plan rather than stand behind a microphone. As head coach of the Patriots, he would have to deal with a rabid and restless fan base in a media market that covers the team relentlessly. It’s not like he’s seen as incapable of doing that part of his next job. He’ll just have to work on it.
But if there really was room for the Krafts to be “blown away” on Friday, the answers to the questions about how he will divvy up a deep but limited energy supply, and who he will lean on most to handle the workload — will get to the heart of the matter. coming from how he will transition from running an offense to leading a team – could have been Johnson’s path.
