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Detroit Lions coordinators Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn wanted for second interviews

Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn will be busy next week, whether the Detroit Lions have a Super Bowl to prepare for or not.

Both the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons have requested second interviews with the Lions coordinators, according to multiple reports.

Johnson, in his second season as Lions offensive coordinator, is a frontrunner for the Washington job that's considered one of the most plum jobs available.

Glenn, in his third season as Lions defensive coordinator, has ties to Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot from their time together with the New Orleans Saints.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson talks with reporters before training camp on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Allen Park.
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson talks with reporters before training camp on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Allen Park.

Johnson had five virtual interviews and Glenn had four virtual interviews last week.

They cannot meet a second time with teams until after this week's NFC championship game against the San Francisco 49ers, and cannot officially be hired until the Lions' season ends.

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The Lions are in the conference title game for the second time in the Super Bowl era, and are the lone NFC team to have never reached a Super Bowl.

Under Johnson, the Lions this season finished fifth in the NFL in scoring offense, third in total offense, second in passing offense and fifth in rushing yards. Johnson also met virtually with the Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks last week.

Glenn, who Lions coach Dan Campbell praised Monday for being "an outstanding communicator (and) outstanding teacher," also interviewed with the Chargers and Tennessee Titans, who hired former Lions assistant Brian Callahan as their head coach on Monday.

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches warmups before the NFC divisional playoff game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches warmups before the NFC divisional playoff game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

Campbell has championed both Johnson and Glenn for head coaching positions, though he said last week they are at a disadvantage to be hired based on the NFL's hiring rules.

Coaches whose teams have been eliminated from the playoffs are free to meet for in-person interviews beginning this week. Both the Commanders and Falcons are reportedly bringing several candidates back for second interviews.

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Briefly

The Lions made a handful of practice squad moves Tuesday, signing offensive lineman Matt Farniok running back Jake Funk, placing running back Jermar Jefferson on practice squad injured reserve and releasing linebacker Raymond Johnson.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him @davebirkett.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions coordinators wanted for second interviews by Falcons, Commanders