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Former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi highlighted Tom Brady’s pivotal role in the Raiders’ pursuit of Ben Johnson. Brady’s championship pedigree could sway the Lions’ offensive coordinator toward Las Vegas.
Lombardi brings decades of NFL front-office experience, while Brady recently joined the Raiders as a minority owner. Johnson transformed Detroit’s offense into one of the NFL’s most potent units as their coordinator.
Lombardi shared insights about Brady’s influence on the Raiders’ coaching search during his Thursday appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show.”
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“I think it’s certainly a step in the right direction,” Lombardi said. “I mean, you get a guy that understands what it takes to win, a former player who’s achieved at the highest level of his profession, the greatest quarterback, the goat. And you get him in there, and you sit in a meeting with him, and he knows what it takes to win.”
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Lombardi emphasized Brady’s team-building expertise.
“I’ve spoken to Tom many times in the past about team building, about how to scout inside out. I think Tom’s going to do great,” he said.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that those “associated with the job” believe Ben Johnson is the frontrunner to land the position with the Raiders.
Ben Johnson could reshape the Raiders’ future
The coaching search carries extra weight after Las Vegas’ 4-13 season led to the firing of head coach Antonio Pierce and GM Tom Telesco. Pro Football Talk reports the Raiders prepared a “massive” contract offer for Johnson, though they still need to satisfy the Rooney Rule’s in-person interview requirements.
Radio host Dan Patrick noted that Brady’s presence has boosted the Raiders’ appeal to Johnson. The Lions coordinator previously declined head coaching opportunities but appears intrigued by working with the NFL legend.
The Raiders hold the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This could allow Johnson and Brady to select their quarterback from prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.
Johnson cannot accept any offer until Detroit’s playoff run ends. The Lions host Washington in Saturday’s divisional round, with Brady calling the game for Fox. This timing could prove symbolic – Brady might witness Johnson’s final game with Detroit before potentially welcoming him to Las Vegas.
Edited by Krutik Jain