Commanders news: Ben Johnson, Dan Quinn, spurned advances and high demands

Commanders candidates looking elsewhere

Ben Johnson was not the done deal many thought. Adam Schefter of ESPN is about as plugged into league business as it gets. He was adamant things could take a twist. As it turned out, the senior insider was right.

The Commanders will now look at alternative options from a dwindling pool of candidates. Other teams probably got the sense Johnson was leaning toward staying with the Detroit Lions and reacted accordingly. Josh Harris and his team opted to wait on the off-chance they could convince the play-caller to come on board.

Examining alternative options - and quickly - is of paramount importance. The Commanders were dealt another blow on Tuesday with news that two other potential candidates seem to be out of the running.

According to reports, Bobby Slowik got himself a nice pay rise and a new deal with the Houston Texans to prevent him from departing. The offensive coordinator had an in-person interview with the Commanders, but he can be crossed off the shortlist despite his impressive first season as an NFL play-caller.

Anthony Weaver is scheduled to meet with the Miami Dolphins for their vacant defensive coordinator position. He was seen as a sleeper to get a promotion in Washington. Whether he's been informed that the Commanders are going in a different direction remains to be seen.

The Commanders need this matter resolved. Senior Bowl week is already underway. It won't be much longer before contract negotiations begin and free agency arrives. Washington cannot afford to start their new era playing catch-up.