When hypothesizing about the potential need for a new head coach in Foxboro, most Patriots fans have already decided who their most desirable candidates would be. They have narrowed their choices down to former Titans head coach and longtime Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel or the rising star out of Detroit, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Lions.
The former Patriot has been atop the list for the past year since Robert Kraft chose to move on from Bill Belichick. It had been reported that the owner favored Vrabel until he ultimately decided to go with another ex-linebacker.
He's still at the top of the list for multiple reasons, especially with new reports suggesting what his preferences are in his next team, and the Patriots check all the boxes.
Fortunately, it looks like the same might be able to be said about Johnson, at least according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Ben Johnson might actually like the idea of becoming the new head coach of the Patriots
During an appearance on Good Morning Football on Tuesday morning, Pelissero discussed the most desirable head coaching candidates ahead of the 2025 offseason, covering both Vrabel and Johnson respectively.
While the Vrabel news wasn't anything new, his insight into what Johnson is looking for was and it's particularly intriguing given that he's turned down multiple opportunities to become a head coach over the last two years. But based on Pelissero's reporting, the Patriots might be an enticing place for him to start a new chapter in his career, thanks to Drake Maye.
From @gmfb: Breaking down some big names in the upcoming coaching carousel with @PSchrags — and one surprise name you may hear. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/t3dfHIiCu2
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 31, 2024
READ MORE: 4 coaches not named Mike Vrabel Patriots could hire to replace Jerod Mayo
With the promising future of a young quarterback at the helm and continuing that legacy after helping to turn around the career of Jared Goff, it's understandable why Johnson could be intrigued to succeed Mayo in New England, even if it is big shoes to fill because of Belichick's departure.
In addition to a great quarterback situation, the Patriots are projected to have the most cap space to use in next year's free agency and are guaranteed a top-5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which is currently the first overall pick. That's the perfect situation for a first-time head coach to walk into and completely revamp a once-dominant team.
The bigger question will more so be whether Kraft decides it's time to move on from Mayo already and if he does, will he be interested in a guy that has no Patriots connections and is an offensive mind, something he hasn't had in a head coach in over two decades.
We'll (unfortunately) have to wait and see.