Falcons request interview with Lions OC Ben Johnson, per report
The Atlanta Falcons have a head-coaching vacancy and while they don’t plan on announcing which candidates they’re interested in until interviews are completed, there’s nothing the team can do about interview requests getting out.
On Thursday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Falcons have put in an interview request with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
The #Falcons requested an interview with #Lions OC Ben Johnson for their head coaching job, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 11, 2024
Johnson is arguably the hottest candidate on the market due to the way he’s turned Detorit’s offense around over the last two seasons. While Johnson will likely have his choice of jobs to pick from, the Falcons have an offense full of playmakers and a top-10 pick to add a quarterback.
Atlanta will also likely make a run at Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who’s expected to be released from his contract in the next 24 hours, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank has taken some big swings at other high-profile head coaches in the past.
Blank once pursued, but didn’t land, Joe Gibbs.
He once pursued, but didn’t land, Bill Parcells.
Now the Falcons have a head coach opening, and Bill Belichick is a free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2024
Stay tuned for more Falcons coaching updates as they look to find Arthur Smith’s replacement.
