ESPN’s NFL insider wasn’t quick to jump to the Ben Johnson-to-Vegas conclusions that have swirled around recently.
Though there seems to be momentum behind Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson becoming the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, ESPN’s Adam Schefter isn’t so quick to assume.
In an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Friday, Schefter stated that he isn’t in the camp of “anointing” Johnson as the new head coach in Las Vegas. Specifically, he mentioned the Chicago Bears as a team that’s still a realistic option for the highly-touted offensive play-caller.
“Why is everybody ignoring Chicago when it comes to Ben Johnson?” Schefter questioned on the show. “Why has that been just dispelled? I don’t get it. What am I missing here?”
Johnson has seemingly gained traction as a front-runner for the Raiders in recent days, with the likes of Ian Rapoport from NFL.com and Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk indicating that those in league circles believe Las Vegas will be Johnson’s landing spot. He has already interviewed virtually with the Raiders, though he has also done so with the Bears.
“My only point here is I think there’s been this overreaction in the media to anoint Ben Johnson to Las Vegas when Jacksonville and Chicago are still in play,” Schefter explained. “That’s all I’m saying…he could still wind up [with the Raiders]; I’m not saying he’s not. I’m not willing to anoint them the favorites right now.”
The full clip can be seen below:
“I know everybody has Ben Johnson anointed to the Raiders but I’m not in that camp right now..
I don’t know where he’s gonna go but he’s gonna have three realistic options..
Why is everybody ignoring Chicago when it comes to Ben Johnson” ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/oFuvEbdGrz
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 17, 2025
No team can hire Johnson as their head coach until the Lions either win the Super Bowl or are eliminated from the playoffs.