3 important takeaways from the Commanders-Ben Johnson saga
By Dean Jones
Ben Johnson's decision had many layers
Media analysts and fans alike immediately started to wonder why Ben Johnson had pulled out of meetings with the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks once the news was confirmed. As expected, there are many layers attached.
Johnson reportedly wants to see if the Detroit Lions can get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl next season. His stock might never be higher than it is right now. It's a calculated risk on the play-caller's part despite the encouraging strides made by the Detroit Lions under Dan Campbell.
Rumors about the financial element of this equation also came to light. Adam Schefter of ESPN revealed that teams were put off by Johnson's asking price. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports touted this possibility way earlier in the process, stating that his representatives were reportedly seeking around $15 million per season to take the jump.
I'm told personnel around the league are discussing their awareness that some Owners have been told #Lions OC Ben Johnson's asking price is at least or around $15M/year for a head coach job, per source. pic.twitter.com/uhX3eqsNQR
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 21, 2023
Whether this is true or not is debatable. It might be accurate considering other potential suitors pulled out in quick succession last week. The Commanders opted to stay the course but were left with egg on their faces.
Dianna Russini from The Athletic also provided an interesting piece of information from the Reese's Senior Bowl. Practices were in full flow when the news broke. The level of surprise among league personnel wasn't as high as you'd think.
On the ground at the senior bowl, word traveled around to the NFL officials all here about Johnson backing out of HC opportunities, and there appears to be less shock about him staying in Detroit than you would think.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 30, 2024
Reactions were over the top from some fans. Others were worried about which way the Commanders would go after Johnson pulled out. With Anthony Weaver and Bobby Slowik also seemingly out of the picture, it could leave them with a choice between Mike Macdonald, Dan Quinn, or Aaron Glenn.