Did Las Vegas truly zero in on Ben Johnson as Todd Monken is the only other known offensive play caller team is interested in
The reported interest in Ben Johnson highlighted the Las Vegas Raiders’ intent to revive a comatose offense. And it’s very easy to see why.
The Silver & Black ended its 4-13 2024 campaign ranked 29th in points scored (309), 27th in yards gained (1,065), 28th in passing touchdowns (19), 32nd in rushing yards (1,357), and 28th in rushing touchdowns (10). Las Vegas did rank fourth in passing attempts (635) and 13th in passing yards (3,797), but overall, it was a stinker.
So much so it led to a clean sweep at head coach (Antonio Pierce) and general manager (Tom Telesco) as owner Mark Davis and Co. went for a sweep and clear this offseason.
And, hence, the interest in Johnson. But, the architect of the Detroit Lions’ top-ranked offense in terms of points and second-overall for yards gained, quickly decided to take the Chicago Bears job despite being interviewed by the Raiders. Not even a long chat between Johnson and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady could sway the hot commodity of a candidate.
Tom Brady and Ben Johnson spent hours on a zoom last weekend. He made a strong case and Johnson strongly considered making the move to Las Vegas. Chicago wins the Johnson sweepstakes.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 20, 2025
So, the Raiders’ adventure of finding a new head coach continues. But the team will have another voice in the room in finding a new leading man — John Spytek. Las Vegas is set to hire the Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manger to be the GM in the desert. And expect Spytek — who knows Brady dating back to their collegiate days in Michigan and shared time in Tampa — to be included in landing the replacement for Pierce.
Including Johnson, there are seven other known candidates the Raiders are interested in:
- Pete Carroll (former Seattle Seahawks head coach)
- Aaron Glenn (former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator; New York Jets head coach)
- Vance Joseph (Denver Broncos defensive coordinator)
- Todd Monken (Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator)
- Ron Rivera (former Washington Commanders head coach)
- Robert Salah (former New York Jets head coach)
- Steve Spagnuolo (Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator)
Eight total candidates, but what’s peculiar is out of that group, only two were offensive-minded coaches. Or, is it a tell?
The pursuit of Johnson spotlighted the dire need for a defibrillator for the flatlined offense. But the only other name on the list that has the prowess to breath life into the Raiders’ offense is Monken.
It’s not difficult to see why Las Vegas asked to speak with Monken. He engineered a Ravens offense that finished third overall in points scored and tops in yards gained this past season. It surely helps when you have a talented quarterback in Lamar Jackson and a monster running back in Derrick Henry. Monken also has familiarity with Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers during a stint as Georgia’s offensive coordinator from 2020-22.
Todd Monken ran the Georgia offense that won 2 national titles, was a Conference USA head coach of the Year at Southern Miss, and has taken a top Ravens offense/QB and helped make them better.
He has two HC interviews in next 48 hours:
Jaguars (today) and Bears (Friday)@gmfb pic.twitter.com/K3AweOYpHf
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 16, 2025
Las Vegas requested an interview with the Ravens play caller all the way back on January 8 and there’s nary a word on if the ask was denied or approved. At the time, Baltimore was in the thick of a postseason run but have since been eliminated. And there’s no word on Monken/Raiders and it’s been two weeks after the request was out in the ether. The offensive coordinator did speak with two other teams last week — the Jacksonville Jaguars (who are still looking for a coach) and the Bears (who landed Johnson).
While other names may surface as the search continues, based on the eight Las Vegas has known interest in, perhaps the next head honcho is a defensive mind? Someone like Carroll or Spagnuolo?
Both have the personality to galvanize the locker room and the accolades and hardware to garner respect.
Of course, landing a defensive-minded coach to lead the team doesn’t preclude said person from hiring an effective offensive coordinator. But it’s easy to see why missing out on Johnson and having only Monken as the only other name that’s orchestrated an offense recently a letdown for Raider Nation.
Spytek’s addition and presence in Las Vegas can entice candidates. The new GM is a renowned talent evaluator and roster builder who is credited for helping the Bucs’ ascension post the 2018 campaign that saw the team go 5-11. Spytek is well respected in NFL circles and media alike and if there’s someone who can create a competitive group in Las Vegas, it’s Spytek. And that should be of interest for a head coach that comes in with a clean slate.
Here’s the more detailed explanation of new Raiders GM John Spytek’s relationship with Tom Brady—from a few minutes before he officially got the job. https://t.co/fzjxC93UEq
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 22, 2025
But that’s the inherent rub for the ragtag Raiders: The quarterback room isn’t beaming with supreme talent and that’s priority number one for Spytek and the eventual head coach. Yes, the Raiders have draft capital and cap space to address that all-important spot.
And it’ll be quite the challenge to course correct Las Vegas.
But for a coach that isn’t afraid of a challenge and willing to build a team while combating a competitive AFC West, the Raiders opening is the spot to go to show the NFL viewing world you can turn around a moribund franchise.
Just who has that fortitude remains to be seen. And don’t be surprised if it’s someone who cut their teeth coaching defense.