Texans interview Lions OC Ben Johnson

The team also continues to request interviews with other coordinators around the league.

On Thursday, the Houston Texans conducted the first official interview in their head coaching search with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Johnson, 36, was promoted to offensive coordinator by Lions head coach Dan Campbell after the team parted ways with former offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn. Johnson had previously served as the Lions’ tight ends coach for two seasons after beginning his association with Detroit as an offensive quality control coach in 2019.

Johnson is credited with revitalizing the Lions’ offense, which ranked fifth in the NFL this season. More importantly, he is credited with reviving the career of quarterback Jared Goff. Goff posted his best season in five years and arguably the best of his career in 2022, passing for 4,438 yards on 65.1% completion, with 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. The Lions finished second in the NFC North at 9-8, their most wins since 2017. Detroit’s 453 points scored is their second-highest total in team history.

The meeting was conducted virtually.

Johnson is a former college teammate of Texans Director of Pro Personnel Ronnie McGill.

Johnson is one of the hottest coaching candidates on the market. He also has scheduled interviews with the Indianapolis Colts (Friday) and the Carolina Panthers (next week).

Additionally, according to reports, the Texans requested an interview with Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach/tight ends coach Thomas Brown.

Brown, 36, has worked under Rams head coach Sean McVay since 2020, when he was hired as the running backs coach. He was given the title of assistant head coach a year later and served as the team’s tight ends coach this season.

According to reports, the team is also expected to interview Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero next week.