Commanders news: Ben Johnson, Dan Quinn, Jacoby Brissett and Michael Penix Jr.

Commanders 'foregone conclusion' with Ben Johnson

It isn't hard to read between the lines after recent events. The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons - two teams keen on making a bold bid for Ben Johnson to be their next head coach - went in different directions. With just two job openings remaining, all signs point to the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator taking the Washington Commanders head coaching vacancy in the not-too-distant future.

No official confirmation has arrived as yet. But Jeff Darlington of ESPN claimed Johnson to the Commanders was a foregone conclusion after speaking to people around the league based on comments via the Detroit Free Press.

"It is a pretty foregone conclusion in Washington, albeit one that we'll have to wait on to see with certainty, that Ben Johnson will wind up being the coach of the Commanders after the Lions' season ends."

- Jeff Darlington via Detroit Free Press

Johnson's focus is on helping the Lions secure a memorable win at the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. The Commanders have been patient in pursuit of landing their guy. Teams pulling out of the running in quick succession suggests that the coach's representatives may have told them thanks, but no thanks.

Washington's star-studded hiring committee will make the trip to meet with Johnson in person early next week. This will also include Magic Johnson and others. If everyone finds some common ground - if they haven't already - then official confirmation won't be too far behind.