Ex-NFL player have inside scoop on who Raiders are hiring as head coach

The Las Vegas Raiders are deep in their search for a new head coach to replace Antonio Pierce, and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as the frontrunner. With increasing momentum pointing toward Johnson’s potential hire, rumors and insider reports continue to add intrigue to the process.

Former NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones recently made headlines with a bold claim about Johnson’s future. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, Jones shared what he says is inside information suggesting Johnson will be the next Raiders head coach.

“Sources say Ben Johnson is gonna be the Raiders’ coach,” Jones said. “Like, real good sources. Like, I’m talking about real good sources, as we shall say.”

Johnson’s candidacy for the Raiders job has gained traction in recent weeks, a surprising development considering he initially wasn’t expected to interview with the team. According to reports, minority owner Tom Brady played a key role in changing Johnson’s mind. Using “back channels,” Brady reportedly convinced Johnson to meet with the Raiders’ front office. Since then, Johnson’s name has been frequently linked to the position.

NFL insiders have also weighed in on the situation. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted that many within league circles believe Johnson is the leading candidate for the Raiders job. “The people who are associated with the Raiders job — I’m talking other candidates, I’m talking agents, people in the NFL — there does seem to be an acknowledgment that Ben Johnson is the leading candidate in Las Vegas,” Rapoport said. “A lot of people, frankly, think he’s getting it.”

However, Rapoport clarified that nothing is finalized yet. The Raiders must still complete the formal requirements of the hiring process, and Johnson cannot officially be hired until the Lions’ season concludes.

While momentum is building for Johnson’s potential move to Las Vegas, not everyone is convinced. ESPN’s Adam Schefter expressed skepticism during his own appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday. “I know everybody has Ben Johnson anointed to the Raiders, but I’m not in that camp right now,” Schefter said. “I’ll have to believe it before I see it.”

Schefter also highlighted other possible destinations for Johnson, including the Chicago Bears. “I don’t know where he’s going to go, but he’s going to have, I think, three realistic options,” Schefter said. “But why is everybody ignoring Chicago when it comes to Ben Johnson? Why has that been dispelled?”

The Raiders’ pursuit of Johnson represents a significant shift for the franchise, which has struggled to find stability in its coaching staff. Since Art Shell’s first tenure in the late 1980s and early 1990s, no Raiders head coach has lasted more than four seasons. Johnson, one of the most coveted young offensive minds in the league, could offer a fresh start and a long-term vision for a team looking to rebuild in the competitive AFC West.

Still, it’s worth noting that Jones is not a traditional news-breaking source, so his comments should be taken with caution. While his claims add another layer to the ongoing speculation, they remain unverified.

For now, the Raiders’ coaching search continues, and Johnson’s future remains uncertain. Whether he ultimately lands in Las Vegas, Chicago, or another destination, his decision will likely shape the NFL coaching landscape in 2025.