The Rumor Surrounding the Raiders Hiring Ben Johnson: Building Momentum in 2025

In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, few things grab the attention of fans, analysts, and pundits more than coaching changes. When a franchise struggles to find sustained success, the whispers of new leadership begin to circulate, and teams will often look to make bold moves to reset their trajectory. One such rumor has recently emerged from the football world — the Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly eyeing Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, to take over their coaching reins.

As of early 2025, the Raiders franchise is in the midst of a transition period. The team has not been able to achieve consistent success since relocating to Las Vegas in 2020, and its struggles have kept them from competing at the highest level of the NFL. With a mixed bag of results under head coach Josh McDaniels, the franchise is once again searching for a long-term solution that can return them to the playoff picture. Enter Ben Johnson, the rising star in coaching circles, whose offensive prowess and potential to lead a team have led to speculation that he may be the right person to build the Raiders back into contenders.

This article explores the rumored hiring of Ben Johnson by the Las Vegas Raiders, breaking down his career achievements, why he might be an attractive candidate for the franchise, and what his appointment could mean for the Raiders as they look to build momentum toward a brighter future.

The State of the Raiders: A Franchise in Transition

To understand the significance of the Ben Johnson rumor, it’s important to first assess the current state of the Las Vegas Raiders. The franchise, which moved from Oakland to Las Vegas in 2020, has struggled to establish a stable identity. Despite flashes of brilliance, including making the playoffs in 2021 under interim head coach Rich Bisaccia, the Raiders have been unable to find a consistent formula for success.

Josh McDaniels, the team’s head coach since 2022, was brought in to revitalize the offense and restore the team to its former glory. However, McDaniels’ tenure has been marked by inconsistencies. The offense has not been as dynamic as expected, and while quarterback Derek Carr had moments of excellence, the overall performance from the unit has been lackluster. McDaniels has also had issues with player relations and team chemistry, and his decision-making has been scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. After a disappointing 2023 season, there was growing speculation that McDaniels’ time in Las Vegas could soon come to an end.

As a result, the Raiders are on the lookout for a new head coach — one who can inject life into a team that has underperformed for too long. This is where Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, comes into the picture.

Who is Ben Johnson? The Rise of a Coaching Star

Ben Johnson is one of the brightest young minds in the NFL coaching ranks, and his meteoric rise has garnered significant attention. Before becoming the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson’s career path took a less conventional route, which is part of what makes his story so compelling.

Early Career and Coaching Journey

Johnson’s coaching career began at the collegiate level, where he served as a graduate assistant at the University of North Carolina. His time in college football was short-lived, but it provided him with a foundation that would serve him well as he transitioned to the NFL. He spent time coaching at various levels before being hired by the Detroit Lions as an offensive assistant in 2019.

His big break came in 2021, when he was promoted to quarterbacks coach. Johnson quickly became known for his innovative ideas and ability to communicate complex concepts to young players. His work with Jared Goff, the Lions’ starting quarterback, was particularly notable, as Goff showed signs of revitalization under Johnson’s tutelage.

Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator: A Mastermind in Action

The real turning point for Johnson came in 2022, when he was promoted to offensive coordinator. His impact was immediate. Under his guidance, the Lions’ offense exploded in a way few could have predicted. The team became one of the most dynamic and explosive offenses in the league, finishing in the top 10 in both total yards and points scored in 2022. The emergence of players like wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and the development of Goff into one of the more consistent quarterbacks in the league were both a testament to Johnson’s ability to maximize the talents of those around him.

What set Johnson apart was his innovative approach to the game. He embraced the passing game while still utilizing a strong running attack, making the Lions’ offense unpredictable and difficult to defend. His ability to scheme open receivers, create mismatches, and design plays that kept defenses on their toes was a hallmark of his work. He made Goff look like a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback again, and his overall offensive system was a breath of fresh air for the Lions.

As the Lions’ offense continued to thrive in 2023, Ben Johnson became a hot commodity in the NFL. Teams took notice, and speculation began to swirl that Johnson could soon be the target of head coaching searches.

Why the Raiders Would Pursue Ben Johnson

The rumors linking Ben Johnson to the Raiders make sense on several levels. Here are some of the key reasons why he would be an appealing candidate for Las Vegas:

1. Offensive Expertise

The Raiders have long been known for their explosive offensive potential, especially with players like quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Davante Adams. However, under Josh McDaniels, the team has failed to live up to its offensive potential. Despite a strong roster, the offense has lacked rhythm, consistency, and creativity. The hiring of Ben Johnson could be a game-changer, as he has proven himself capable of designing and implementing dynamic offenses that maximize the talents of his players.

Johnson’s ability to get the best out of quarterbacks, particularly in a system that allows for creativity, would likely be a breath of fresh air for the Raiders. The potential to develop and elevate a young quarterback (should the Raiders move on from Carr) is another significant factor in Johnson’s appeal. His offensive system would likely bring the best out of the Raiders’ skill players, including Adams, running back Josh Jacobs, and any future quarterback additions.

2. Innovative Approach and Adaptability

In today’s NFL, having an offensive coordinator who is not only skilled but also innovative is a crucial asset. Ben Johnson has proven that he is able to adapt his schemes based on the strengths and weaknesses of his players. In an ever-changing league, the ability to stay ahead of defensive schemes and design plays that exploit mismatches is invaluable.

Johnson’s offensive playcalling has been lauded for its unpredictability, and the Raiders would benefit from his ability to think outside the box. In an AFC West division that features potent offenses like those of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders need someone who can keep pace and potentially even outsmart their rivals.

3. A Fresh Start for the Raiders

Perhaps more than anything, the Raiders need a culture shift. The McDaniels era has been one of instability and missed opportunities. The hiring of a young, innovative mind like Ben Johnson could signal a new beginning — one that is focused on growth, adaptability, and sustained success.

Johnson’s track record with the Lions suggests that he is more than capable of building a long-term winner, not just a one-hit wonder. For the Raiders, whose fanbase has been yearning for a championship contender, hiring Johnson could represent the first step toward finally turning the page and building a team that competes consistently at the highest level.

What Ben Johnson’s Arrival Could Mean for the Raiders

If the Raiders do indeed hire Ben Johnson, the ripple effects could be felt throughout the franchise. Here are a few key areas where Johnson’s influence would be felt immediately:

1. Quarterback Development

Whether the Raiders retain Derek Carr or bring in a new quarterback, Ben Johnson’s ability to develop quarterbacks would be critical. He has proven he can revive the careers of quarterbacks who might have been written off, such as Jared Goff, and his systems are built to highlight the strengths of any signal-caller. If the Raiders decide to move on from Carr, they could look to draft or trade for a young quarterback, knowing that Johnson will help that player develop and reach their potential.

2. Offensive Renaissance

Johnson’s innovative approach to offensive football could lead to a resurgence in the Raiders’ offensive production. The team has the personnel to compete on offense — from Adams to Jacobs to a potentially revamped offensive line. Johnson’s schemes could unlock the best version of this offense, potentially propelling them into the upper echelon of NFL offenses.

3. Team Culture and Chemistry

A big part of Johnson’s success in Detroit has been his ability to foster a positive and competitive team culture. If he is brought to the Raiders, he would likely instill a similar environment that values collaboration, hard work, and player development. This could go a long way in improving team chemistry and helping the Raiders establish a winning culture in the locker room.