Lions OC Ben Johnson gives clear verdict on his stance amid Raiders chase for new head coach

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson opened up on the constant rumors about his NFL future, specifically about the links with the Las Vegas Raiders, one of multiple organizations set to start a new project. During a Wednesday conversation with reporters, Johnson addressed the rumors.

(2:45) “I’m going to stay focused on the main thing right here, and that’s going to be the Washington Commanders," Johnson said. "That’s what we’re about. (Dan Campbell) asked me about how it went this weekend. It went great, and that’s the end of it. The focus right here and now for the players, for the coaching staff and for everybody in this building is about this game this week."

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Johnson leads the race to become the next Raiders head coach. He initially planned to have interviews with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots, but after Tom Brady stepped in, he added the Raiders to his list.

The Athletic reported that he interviewed with the Raiders after Brady convinced him and now the situation could work in the seven-time Super Bowl champion's favor.

Ben Johnson is seemingly favoring a move to the AFC due to a major factor involving Dan Campbell.

Dan Patrick shares why Ben Johnson would favor coaching in the AFC

According to Dan Patrick, Ben Johnson would favor a move to an AFC franchise, even though he is a candidate for the intriguing Chicago Bears.

“I was told last night that [for] Ben Johnson, the Raiders make more sense because he doesn’t want to go against the Lions and Dan Campbell being in the same conference,” Patrick said on the Dan Patrick Show.

“Whether that is true or not, I think also the allure of Tom Brady [was a factor], and Brady is making decisions with the Raiders. It feels like he is making the decisions with the Raiders.”

Stephen A. Smith also named Johnson a good candidate to coach the Dallas Cowboys, but the NFC East team might already be out of this race.