Graney: Lions coordinator is worth the wait for Raiders
Ben Johnson is the gem, the one several NFL teams are hoping to have run their respective programs, the offensive coordinator in Detroit whose play-calling has been described by some as brilliant.
The Raiders need a coach.
They also need to hold out in naming one until Johnson would either accept the gig or turn it down.
If that means following a divisional round game against Washington on Saturday or even through the Super Bowl, so be it.
Johnson is that intriguing a candidate for which to wait.
And yet as promising as his resume is, hes still somewhat of a risk.
Johnson has never been an NFL head coach, and with that comes a much different approach and amount of responsibility than that of a coordinator.
Weve seen it before those who were superb running one side of the ball only to never see such heightened success when in charge of the entire team.
Heck, the Raiders have employed a few of late Josh McDaniels as coach and Norv Turner as a senior adviser.
There was also Wade Phillips and others across the league.
Really good football coaches who never could make the transition to great accomplishments running the sidelines.
There were some good seasons here and there, but not much sustained winning.
Johnson, however, has every chance to be one who can absolutely turn his coordinating prowess into being just as capable as a head coach.
Thats what the Raiders desperately need.
Youve heard it time and again the past few decades.
They need to get this hire correct.
They need to finally identify the person who can build a team capable of challenging for the playoffs, of which the Raiders have only been part of twice since 2002.
They need to do what they havent in seemingly forever.
Could be the one Johnson just might be that person.
Hes said to be a favorite of Tom Brady, whos said to be running the search for the Raiders.
Johnson is thought by many in the NFL as one who could seamlessly make the switch.
He has for the past few years been atop the radar of most teams needing a head coach.
And has learned from the process.
Ive also changed my frame of mind a little bit, and instead of worrying solely about the offense and what were doing right here, Ive been able to have offseasons and summers to think about big-picture view what a program would look like where Im running it, Johnson told reporters at his weekly availability.
So I think that way Im a lot more prepared for the questions that come my way.
Im much more comfortable answering.
He has been more than comfortable running Detroits offense.
The Lions have ranked among the NFLs top four units for three straight seasons under his guidance.
I suppose one of his main concerns with the Raiders would come at quarterback and how Brady and whatever general manager the team might hire to Johnsons liking believes the team could upgrade the position.
Aidan OConnell is the starter right now.
The Raiders need far more competition at the spot.
Need a lot Many key positions on the roster also require an overhaul.
Its not a playoff side right now.
There are building blocks on both lines of scrimmage, but the skill is far from what Johnson has experienced in Detroit.
It will take time.
Whether he wants to embrace that is anyones guess.
Hes not saying just yet.
Not saying much at all besides staying in the moment.
This was Johnson before the divisional game against the Commanders: Im going to stay focused on the main thing right here, and thats the Washington Commanders right here and now, he said.
Thats what were about.
I told the head coach (Dan Campbell) when we came in.
He asked me about how it went (with interviews) this weekend.
It went great, and thats the end of it.
The focus right here, now, for the players, for the coaching staff, for everybody in the building is about this game this week.
The Raiders need a coach.
They need Johnson.
Wait him out.
The risk is worth it..
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