Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson — or someone extremely close to him — wasted no time in putting out information to media outlets about his decision to turn down an interview with the Washington Commanders while those in power were in the air to meet him. This not-so-subtle slander came back to haunt him in no uncertain terms.
Johnson was considered a leading candidate for the Commanders' head coaching job after Ron Rivera's dismissal. Most fans thought it was a done deal long before things turned sour. However, that was not an opinion shared by respected insiders around the league.
Everything happens for a reason. The Commanders didn't get the chance to hire Johnson, which led them to Dan Quinn. Looking at how things have unfolded following his appointment, this was a franchise-altering turn of events that Washington benefitted from greatly.
Commanders proved they are much more than 'basketball guys' to Ben Johnson
Jenna Laine from ESPN revealed via sources that Johnson felt the Commanders' supposed 'basketball guys' in the front office and ownership thought they knew a little too much about football for his liking. Whether he interviewed well or not is moot, this was not a good fit for either side and they went their separate ways.
"Was told that Ben Johnson was "turned off" by Commanders ownership, that they're "basketball guys" and felt they were a little too confident in their football opinions. And I also heard that he "didn't interview well." He said, he said, but clearly not a good fit for both sides."Jenna Laine, ESPN
They got the perfect opportunity to make the Lions' progressive play-caller eat his words in the Divisional Round at Ford Field. Although it probably didn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, it added some extra spice to the occasion and gave the Commanders extra bulletin board material for good measure.
The Lions offense made plays — they always do. But the Commanders' defense's ability to create five turnovers was the difference between the two clubs.
Washington shocked the NFL world to its foundations to go without one game of reaching the Super Bowl. Johnson and the Lions once again fell flat on their face. And now, he'll probably never get the chance to finish what he started in Detroit.
Johnson is widely expected to take a head coaching job during this cycle. He can now speak with teams in person with Detroit out of playoff contention. Considering the esteem in which he is held around the league, there could be a quick resolution with the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders among the frontrunners.
That's of no consequence to the Commanders, who are thinking bigger with Quinn leading the charge.
They have the NFC Conference championship game in their sights with a bombshell place in the Super Bowl now a realistic objective. And one could forgive Johnson for casting envious glances in Washington's direction.
This is likely the end of Johnson's quest to bring an elusive Vince Lombardi Trophy to Detroit. But for the Commanders, their journey under Quinn's expert guidance is just beginning.
Not bad for a bunch of 'basketball guys'.