The New England Patriots are wasting no time in their head-coaching search, reportedly requesting an interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

The New England Patriots have requested to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for their head-coaching vacancy, per a report from NFL insider Albert Breer on Monday morning. Breer did not specify when the interview would take place.

Requests are coming in for Detroit’s play-caller. The Bears and Patriots have submitted interview requests, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. Although Johnson has become rather famous for backing out of coaching searches, Breer indicates he will meet with both teams.

With Tuesday’s interviews, the Patriots have fulfilled the Rooney Rule, which states that teams must interview at least two external diverse candidates (minority and/or female). Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel seems to be the clear target for the Patriots in their hiring process.

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While the Detroit Lions have a bye in the opening round of the NFL playoffs, their top coordinators could have a busy week ahead. NFL Network's Tom

Though the Jacksonville Jaguars may have excused themselves from the Ben Johnson sweepstakes, Chicago might have some stiff competition for the right to hire the Detroit offensive coordinator as its next head coach with the New England Patriots apparently emerging as strong competitors.