Commanders news: Ben Johnson, Dan Quinn, Bill Belichick and OC target
By Dean Jones
Ben Johnson praised as Commanders links grow
The speculation linking Ben Johnson to the Washington Commanders reached new levels on Thursday. The Carolina Panthers are out after hiring Dave Canales. The Atlanta Falcons - who had a second interview lined up with the coveted candidate next week -opted to make Raheem Morris their head coach instead.
Johnson's primary focus is on helping the Detroit Lions reach the Super Bowl by winning at the San Francisco 49ers. For Commanders fans, the rumor mill is flying about whether the offensive coordinator's representatives have told other teams he's favoring a move to the nation's capital after recent developments.
Ahead of championship weekend, Lions' quarterback Jared Goff lifted the lid on what makes Johnson so special. This centers on his willingness to get player input, allowing them to implement ideas and rein them in when he feels like it won't work based on comments via Nicki Jhabvala from The Washington Post.
"I think how much input he allows me to have, and whether he takes it or he doesn’t, he allows me to say it and uses some of it. It’s fun for me, it really is. It allows me to really be a part of the plan in some ways. And he’s a great listener and listens to not only me, but all the players of what they want, what they see. And that’s not only through the week, but on game day the same way."
- Jared Goff via X/Twitter
It seems for all the smart money as if Johnson will be leading the Commanders next season. If he can overcome a stout Niners' defense and help Detroit reach their first Super Bowl in generations, it'll make the hire that much sweeter as Washington embarks on an exciting new era.