Ben Johnson Staying With Lions; Impact on Patriots’ Offensive Coordinator Search?.
Putting together a new staff is one of the most crucial—and difficult—aspects of a coaching shift. Though it was an internal promotion, head coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots has a staff to assemble, and following the disaster of the 2023 campaign, there’s a lot of pressure to make the right coordinator appointments.
Tanner Engstrand, the passing game coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is one possible candidate for the vacant offensive coordinator position. The Pats have conducted interviews with nine individuals thus far, with Nick Caley and Luke Getsy receiving follow-up calls.
In Detroit, Engstrand was awaiting a promotion. The most eagerly anticipated coaching prospect of this cycle was offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was long-term favorites to take over as the Washington Commanders’ next head coach. But for whatever reason—Washington’s reluctance, an unfulfilled wage demand, or unresolved business in Detroit—Johnson has chosen to rejoin the Lions in 2024. In an agonizing manner, the San Francisco 49ers defeated Detroit in the NFC Championship Game. The Lions lost 34-31, shattering a 17-point halftime lead and their hopes of winning a Super Bowl.
A large portion of the Lions’ personnel will remain, however Engstrand may decide to go. An internal promotion for Engstrand is unlikely, at least not for another season, given Johnson’s comeback. New England can so provide Engstrand with something that Detroit cannot. It’s easy to envision going back to the Lions coach and trying to entice him in with his own desire as the Patriots continue their interview process.
Naturally, that would require New England to give Engstrand top priority, and that is by no means a given. The Patriots spoke with Luke Getsy, the former offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, on Tuesday to discuss the same role, according to Albert Breer. On Wednesday, Getsy will have a second interview with the New Orleans Saints.
Be the first to comment