NFL fans and media think Tom Brady could have a conflict of interest during the Lions-Commanders NFL Playoff game as reports show the Raiders minority owner’s interest in OC Ben Johnson as head coach

Tom Brady looks on prior to a NFC Wild Card Playoff

Tom Brady will make his NFL Playoffs commentary debut on Jan. 18 for an anticipated matchup between the top-seeded Detroit Lions and the No. 6 Washington Commanders. The game coincides with the brewing of a perfect controversial storm: Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has emerged as a potential candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching vacancy, in which Brady has a minority ownership stake.

Brady inked a deal with Raiders owner Mark Davis to acquire a minority stake in the franchise in May 2023 and also holds a lucrative 10-year, $375 million contract as the lead NFL analyst for FOX Sports. With the Raiders currently searching for a new head coach following the Jan. 7 firing of Antonio Pierce after a 4-13 season, reports suggest Brady may have a hand in recruiting Johnson for the job.

Johnson is regarded as one of the league’s most innovative offensive minds and is reportedly interviewing with multiple teams, including the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars. He previously interviewed with the New England Patriots, who ultimately hired Mike Vrabel. The Lions’ postseason success and Brady’s potential influence in Las Vegas have increased worries among fans and media about the pending integrity of Brady’s commentary during the game.

Chicago Tribune columnist David Haugh was among those questioning the NFL’s decision to allow Brady to call the game. “This is a total conflict of interest,” Haugh wrote. “If they don’t address it, it’s going to be even more offensive. Ignoring the link would be disingenuous and insulting to the audience.”

Concerns have also stemmed from Brady’s public praise of the Lions during their dominant 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys earlier this season. Brady celebrated Detroit’s versatility on offense, specifically its use of two running backs, its ability to dominate the line of scrimmage, and its explosive passing game, all schemed by Johnson.

Whether intentional or not, Brady’s comments were perceived by many as a conflict of interest. Brady was also said to have leaned on his former coach and leader of the UNC football program, Bill Belichick when looking for Pierce’s successor. Belichick stood on the opposite side of criticism regarding Johnson’s usage of trick plays throughout the regular season, saying he expects their creative offense to carry deep into their NFL Playoffs run.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 08: Las Vegas Raiders owner and managing general partner and Las Vegas Aces owner Mark Davis (L) and Tom Brady attend Game One of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs finals between the Aces and the New York Liberty at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tom Brady is a minority owner of the Raiders – but he also works for FOX Sports ( 
Image:
Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“I think that Detroit and Kansas City probably would be working on a couple of plays that they’ve probably been working on all year. But now saying, Okay, here we are coming down to, you know, critical games,” he said on the Pat McAfee show.

“What plays can we maybe use that are a little bit different, a little bit deceptive? Maybe it’s a new blitz from, you know, Aaron Glenn or [Chiefs defensive coordinator] Spags that they’ve kind of cooked up, maybe some look that they’ve been given, and now they can give that same look and run some type of different pressure on it, or maybe it’s a punt rush or fake kick, something like that.”