On Friday, the New England Patriots on social media that they completed a virtual interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their head coaching vacancy. This comes one day after the team interviewed team legend Mike Vrabel.

Mike Vrabel may be the frontrunner for the Patriots head coaching job, but Ben Johnson cannot be overlooked either.

When the Patriots kicked off firing season by axing Jerod Mayo the assumption was that room was being made for Mike Vrabel. The former franchise legend’s name was already circulating in coaching rumors,

Vrabel is the third candidate to meet with the team, following former NFL coordinators Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton on Tuesday. He is considered the front-runner for the Patriots’ job, which multiple league sources expect him to land. He has previously interviewed with the Jets and Bears.

The Patriots, Jaguars and Raiders can offer compelling situations in terms of power, quarterback and future assets.

Should that happen, Vrabel would undoubtedly be at the top of Ohio State’s list of potential candidates. Vrabel played his college ball with the Buckeyes, and started his coaching career there as a linebackers coach before making the jump back to the NFL.

Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks with offensive coordinator Liam Coen against the Washington Commanders during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images