Report: Patriots requesting to interview Lions OC Ben Johnson for head coach

The Patriots have reportedly requested to interview Ben Johnson

The New England Patriots have requested to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their head-coaching vacancy, per a report from NFL insider Albert Breer on Monday morning.

Breer did not specify when the interview would take place.

Johnson has been the offensive coordinator for the Lions over the past three seasons. He was the passing game coordinator for the organization in 2021, before taking the next step as offensive coordinator.

The Lions ranked second in the NFL in total yard average this season with 409.5 yards per game. They also led the NFL with an average of 33.2 points per game this season.

As an offensive-minded coach, Johnson would be a complete departure from a typically defensive-leaning Patriots team. It would indicate a shift in overall philosophy for New England.

Perhaps change would be good for the team after back-to-back four-win seasons.

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