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Jacksonville Jaguars coach search: Detroit Lions' Ben Johnson reportedly has eyes on job
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- Jacksonville Jaguars coach search: Detroit Lions' Ben Johnson reportedly has eyes on job
The Jacksonville Jaguars are getting into the weeds of their head coaching search.
After firing Doug Pederson at the conclusion of the regular season, the team has cast a wide net to find the next head coach of the club.
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They've requested and interviewed several candidates , with the last of their first-round interviews expected to be finished soon.
The team has opted to talk to several of the top candidates this cycle, including Aaron Glenn, Liam Coen, Robert Saleh and Kellen Moore.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches warm up before the Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
Jaguars coach search: Why this may be the most attractive available NFL job
But one name in particular stands out from the rest of the candidates, according to ESPN NFL Insider Jeff Darlington.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is viewed by some as the top coaching candidate this cycle. And apparently, there's interest between Johnson and the Jaguars.
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"Now, the Jaguars, this is I want you to listen carefully here, because I keep hearing from coaching candidates that this is actually the most coveted job available right now, and I think it's going under the radar," Darlington said earlier this week. "I keep hearing that Ben Johnson actually has his eyes squarely on that Jaguars position.
"I'm not saying that that's his top choice, but I am saying that that is a job that really interests him. Now, the Trent Baalke situation with him currently holding the position of General Manager, does throw a bit of a wrench into this. But I'm telling you, I have spoken to several different candidates who say that Jaguars job is the one that a lot of coaches are eyeing as the one that they want."
Is Ben Johnson headed to Jacksonville?
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
According to Darlington, Jacksonville is a job that several candidates have as their top destination.
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Johnson has been reportedly linked to several different jobs. The Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders both were places he was reportedly interested in.
Jacksonville makes sense as a top destination for him, though. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence under contract for the foreseeable future and rookie standout Brian Thomas Jr. 's emergence, Johnson could be intrigued by the foundation that's laid.
What coaches did the Jaguars request to interview?
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches a replay against Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.
The Jaguars have requested 10 coaches to interview:
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars coach search: Ben Johnson 'has eyes on' opening
