The Las Vegas Raiders have recently set their sights on Ben Johnson, the rising star of offensive coaching, with notable influence from none other than Tom Brady.

Johnson, currently the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has garnered significant attention in NFL coaching circles for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop young quarterbacks. Now, it seems the Raiders are hoping his expertise can elevate their offense to new heights, and Brady’s input may have played a pivotal role in making this decision.

Ben Johnson’s coaching career took off in 2021 when he was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Lions under head coach Dan Campbell. Johnson’s offensive playbook has been praised for its creativity, adaptability, and ability to maximize the strengths of players, particularly young quarterbacks like Jared Goff.

His approach has revitalized the Lions’ offense, which has been one of the more potent units in the NFL in recent seasons. The system that Johnson runs is built on a balanced attack, blending traditional concepts with modern-day innovations to keep defenses guessing.

The Raiders, who have struggled with offensive consistency in recent years, are looking for a change. After parting ways with former head coach Josh McDaniels, the team is focused on rebuilding around a potent offensive identity.

With quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm, the Raiders need an offensive mind who can get the best out of the talented roster, and that’s where Ben Johnson comes into play. Johnson’s ability to adapt to different quarterback styles, especially someone like Garoppolo, who has a similar skill set to Goff, makes him an intriguing candidate.

However, it’s not just the Raiders’ front office that has been enamored with Johnson’s potential. Tom Brady, widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, has reportedly played an influential role in this decision. Brady, who retired after the 2022 season, has stayed closely connected to the NFL and various teams, offering his expertise when needed.

His involvement with the Raiders has been well-documented, and sources suggest that Brady has been actively advising the franchise on their coaching search, particularly when it comes to finding someone who can mold the offense and maximize Garoppolo’s strengths.

Brady’s influence on the Raiders’ decision to pursue Ben Johnson is significant. Having worked with some of the best offensive minds in football throughout his career, Brady understands the importance of finding a coach who can design a scheme that works for the quarterback. Johnson’s success with Goff in Detroit—helping him achieve a career revival after his rocky years in Los Angeles—has likely impressed Brady, who sees similarities between Goff and Garoppolo’s playing styles.

Both quarterbacks are known for their accuracy and decision-making but can struggle with deep-ball consistency and mobility. Johnson’s offense, with its emphasis on quick reads and timing-based throws, could be the ideal fit for Garoppolo.

The Raiders’ interest in Johnson is a sign of the franchise’s commitment to improving their offensive performance, and the fact that Brady has been involved in the process only adds an extra layer of intrigue. While Johnson has yet to formally meet with the Raiders for an interview, the connection to Brady could provide the necessary push for a deal to get done. If the Raiders are successful in bringing Johnson aboard, they would gain a young and innovative offensive mind who has the potential to lead the team back to the playoffs and beyond.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, coaching hires have become just as important as player acquisitions. The Raiders are clearly aware of this, and with Tom Brady’s involvement in the process, their decision to turn to Ben Johnson appears to be a calculated move to ensure they remain competitive in the highly competitive AFC West.

As the Raiders continue to search for their next head coach, one thing is clear: their focus is on building a sustainable and dynamic offense that can compete at the highest level, with Ben Johnson being the key piece in that puzzle.