Lions' Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn Could Battle for Same Job

Falcons request second interviews with Johnson, Glenn.

The Atlanta Falcons are requesting second interviews with both Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, according to NFL media reports Tuesday. 

According to ESPN, the Falcons submitted requests to meet with both coordinators in-person. These interviews would not be allowed to take place until next week. 

The Falcons have also requested second interviews with former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Each interviewed with the Falcons last week, with Glenn going on Friday and Johnson Sunday, after the Lions knocked off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Each coordinator has been highly recruited, drawing interest from a combined 10 teams. As a result, both had multiple interviews on Friday and Saturday, with Johnson taking another with Atlanta Sunday evening. 

The Falcons are looking to replace Arthur Smith, who was fired following a 21-30 record over three seasons in which his team finished 7-10 in all three years. 

Glenn and Johnson each generated head coaching interest last year before ultimately returning to Detroit. With only five head coaching vacancies remaining, both coaches could wind up battling for the same job. 

NFL Network reported Sunday that, should Johnson land a head coaching gig, current Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley is a candidate to be Johnson's offensive coordinator. 

On Monday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell praised Glenn's ability to devise a gameplan. Detroit held the Buccaneers to 23 points in its divisional round triumph, punching its ticket to the NFC Championship Game. 

“I mean, where do I begin? Let me start with what he did and what he does," Campbell said. "I mean, the amount of hours that he grinds on tape to prepare his players, his coaches. But, himself, for what he thinks, is going to come and for where he feels the game is going to go and what he feels like he needs to call in that time, relative to what he believes that coordinator’s going to call. There’s nobody that works harder. There’s nobody. And, he’s got great vision for putting a plan together.”