The New England Patriots completed their scheduled head coaching interviews Friday and did so with a virtual meeting with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

While Mike Vrabel still holds the identity as the favorite in the process, Johnson is a young, elite offensive mind that would do wonders for quarterback Drake Maye and offer a true outside perspective for the Patriots.

Vrabel interviewed in Boston with the Patriots on Thursday. Johnson interviewed a day later and early signs point to a positive process between New England and the Lions coordinator.

“I heard great,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini posted to X Friday in response to a comment on the interview.

Johnson has four interviews between Friday and Saturday before returning his focus to planning as the Lions embark on a postseason run as the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Vrabel makes perfect sense for the Patriots, but New England should not immediately dismiss the intriguing value Johnson would bring to One Patriot Place.