Sources say Lions Pass Game Coordinator Tanner Engstrand could be asked to join Johnson.
While some people who know Ben Johnson tell me he loves a challenge, and that he’d likely relish working with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, I currently feel the head coach vacancy in Jacksonville is best suited for him.
Here’s why.
Johnson strikes me as a low-key man who doesn’t seek attention, nor prefers a media circus. Comparative to other head coach vacancies located in the cities of Las Vegas, Chicago, Dallas and New York – outside of New Orleans, Jacksonville’s smaller market environment is more conducive to assimilating from coordinator to head coach duties, and its farther from the glare of the national lens.
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Many, Many Variables…
Choice Of Division
Choice of division is a factor. In any new job, it’s imperative to get off to a good start. It creates optimism, mitigates second-guessing, and most importantly it helps the buy-in process that’s crucial to the beginning of any regime.
Why choose to start your head coach career in the AFC West along with Andy Reid, Jim Harbaugh, and Sean Payton, when there’s a greater probability to succeed in the AFC South, in my opinion? The Titans and Colts are teams still striving to take the next step, and the Texans just found their second gear in the Wildcard round last week.
That’s not to say Johnson doesn’t have the offensive prowess to compete with the best minds in the West. What I am saying is that picking a head coaching job goes beyond X and O’s; it’s also about making sound business decisions for steady growth, longevity, and variables that aren’t always controllable on and off the field.
Choice Of Ownership
Choice of Ownership is another factor. Working with Brady has obvious appealing qualities. He’s a 7x-Super Bowl champion, and a 5x-Super Bowl MVP. Brady has a PHD on how to win, and has earned the right to have a major say—but there are questions if we’re being honest:
- How much will Brady’s success as a quarterback cross the line in his minority ownership role?
- How long before the experience with Brady turns from awesome to potentially meddlesome?
Working with Brady in ownership could result in a match made in heaven. However, judging off current instincts, I currently think owner Shad Khan is less likely to impede Johnson’s process of building a football operation in his own vision. Additionally, Khan could still modify his current personnel structure to increase Johnson’s comfort.
As already reported, this could include adding another staff member that would report directly to Khan, or other modifications. Overall. I think Johnson would have more space and time in the South.
The Quarterback Situation
Then there’s the quarterback situation. The Jaguars have one in Trevor Lawrence—though admittedly he needs to take another leap in his development in 2025. Johnson should consider the differences between joining a team with a known starter commodity under center, than one with more questions. Given his work with Jared Goff, Johnson’s portfolio already lends itself to working with a QB with more veteran experience and familiarity with the NFL way of life. Goff has shown steady improvement in passing yards, completion percentage, yards per attempt, QBR, and most importantly in his control and confidence with Johnson’s system.
Working with an unknown QB coming out the Draft is more risky and yet compels a longer attachment. With the 6th overall pick, the Raiders aren’t even in full control of their Draft destiny. Moreover, I don’t think Johnson pairs better with Caleb Williams. Johnson’s most comfortable quarterback situation is in Jacksonville. If it doesn’t work out, Johnson can reset with a QB from the 2026 Draft class with less attachment and have footing to suggest other staff changes.
Tanner Engstrand To Join Too?
Speaking of staff, I would not be surprised if Johnson tries to add Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand as well. I also expect a strong defensive coordinator to align himself with Johnson as the Jaguars fell precipitously in points and yards per game allowed last season after several defensive coaches were let go under Doug Pederson.
A league source says Johnson still has interest in exploring the opportunity in Jacksonville and inquiries are still being made for his staff and personnel template.
Meanwhile, the league-wide vacancy board is still unfolding, as is the playoff picture ahead against the Commanders.
After passing on the opportunity to potentially be a head coach twice before, it’s more incumbent upon Johnson to get his third trip down the aisle right now— by focusing on what makes most sense, and not what’s shinier.
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