The impact of head coaching interviews on playoff performance is a topic that continues to stir speculation among fans and analysts alike. Only the coordinators involved know the true extent of any distraction these interviews may have caused.
The focus intensified after the Detroit Lions faced elimination from the playoffs. The Lions had an impressive season, finishing with a record of 15-2 and securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed. However, their journey ended abruptly when they fell to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round. Some fans voiced their dissatisfaction, pointing fingers at offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for seeming more preoccupied with job interviews than with strategizing for their playoff game.
Following the Lions’ loss, Johnson accepted a head coach position with the Chicago Bears just two days later. Before the playoff game, he had participated in interviews with the Bears, Jaguars, Patriots, and Raiders during the Lions’ bye week. During the playoff matchup, Johnson’s offensive unit amassed an impressive 521 yards and scored 31 points, suggesting he was not overly distracted from preparing a solid game plan. Nonetheless, a critical misstep occurred when, trailing by ten points in the fourth quarter, Johnson opted for a trick play that led to an interception thrown by wide receiver Jameson Williams, who should have run rather than attempting a risky pass.
Adding to the criticism, Tom Brady, a Fox broadcaster and minority owner of the Raiders who was involved in Johnson’s interview process, condemned the “gimmicky” call, stating, “Not a great time for a trick play.” Yet, not all of Johnson’s trick plays proved disastrous. Earlier in the game, Williams executed a double-reverse that resulted in a 61-yard touchdown run, and running back David Montgomery successfully carried out a 20-yard shovel pass off a pitch from quarterback Jared Goff.
On the defensive side, Glenn also engaged with several teams, interviewing with the Bears, Raiders, Saints, Jets, and Jaguars. He declined an interview from the Patriots, who opted to sign Mike Vrabel. Glenn’s defense faced significant challenges, conceding 38 points and 481 yards to the Commanders, particularly after losing cornerback Amik Robertson early in the game.
Johnson and Glenn were not alone in attending interviews during the playoff season; however, their teams’ defeat highlighted the dangers of such distractions. Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury chose to postpone his interviews until after the playoffs to maintain focus, while Washington’s defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. conducted his first interview on Sunday with the Jets.
Several other assistant coaches—from the Eagles, Bills, Chiefs, and more—have participated in interviews throughout the season. According to NFL regulations, assistants from playoff teams can only hold virtual interviews, and new rules were established this year to limit those interviews to a three-hour window for coaches whose teams are still competing.
Many of these coaches prepared in advance for potential interviews well before the postseason, which they believe helps ease the pressure when the time comes. Johnson expressed his readiness for the kinds of inquiries posed to him, stating, “I’ve changed my frame of mind a little bit… I’ve been able to think about what a program would look like where I’m running it.”
Glenn shared similar sentiments, explaining how he was better equipped for this cycle due to his previous experiences interviewing with teams. He discussed the importance of looking into potential staff compatibility during the off-season but emphasized that during the season, focus remains on current game plans and objectives.
Eagles fans also expressed concern when offensive coordinator Kellen Moore conducted three interviews, including one with the Cowboys shortly before facing the Rams, as they were not pleased with his offensive strategies in a narrow 28-22 win. Moore defended his approach, noting that his game preparation process remained unchanged despite the interviews, adding, “Other than that, it’s the same process.”
In essence, the balance between pursuing career advancements and maintaining focus during crucial playoff moments is a delicate one for many coaches in the NFL.
