Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines after Josh Harris was dealt a blow in his quest to find the right head coach?
Many - myself included - thought Ben Johnson would become the next Washington Commanders' head coach. All signs pointed to this scenario coming to fruition. However, a bombshell development threw a fatal wrench into these plans, leaving Josh Harris and his hiring committee with no option other than to pivot significantly.
As expected, the headlines were vast in the immediate aftermath. Among the stories accumulating column inches include Johnson's cold feet heading to the altar, two other potential head coaching candidates looking the other way, high demands reportedly playing a role in recent developments, and Dan Quinn's chances improving.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Ben Johnson pulls out of Commanders' race
As the Washington Commanders' hiring committee was 40,000 feet in the air on a lavish private jet, they received some surprising news. While many thought Ben Johnson was a lock for the head coaching job, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator made a last-minute U-turn and informed those in power that he was staying with his current employers.
This is the second straight year Johnson has spurned advances. Outlining his intentions a mere hours before his in person interview with the Commanders is a bad look, in all honesty. But he wants to see out the project with Dan Campbell for good or bad after coming within inches of reaching a Super Bowl this season.
Washington continued on its journey given their intent to interview Lions' defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. There is a newfound nervousness among the fanbase about what comes next, but everything should become clearer over the next 48 hours.
There's still time to claim FanDuel Sportsbook's $200 sign-up bonus with any $5 bet this week! If you deposit at least $10 and bet $5 or more on any game, you'll get $200 in bonus bets if your wager wins. That's a +4000 odds boost - sign up for FanDuel now!
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.
Ben Johnson's reasoning
Ben Johnson's decision to stay with the Detroit Lions left Washington Commanders fans shellshocked. Many wondered why he'd turn down such a great opportunity. The allure of potentially going one step further with the NFC North outfit next season proved too tempting to ignore.
Adam Schefter of ESPN stated on social media that some teams were put off by Johnson's asking price. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports revealed months ago that the annual salary demands could be somewhere in the region of $15 million per season. That could have priced him out of an opportunity, although we'll never know for sure.
Schefter went on to say that Johnson's primary motivation isn't money. He added that the Commanders were surprised by the development en route to Detroit, but they've got other irons in the fire.
"While the abrupt pivot by Johnson was considered “surprising” by several league sources, he was not considered a lock for the Commanders’ job, despite his strong reputation as a coordinator and a loyal coach. Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has two years remaining on his contract with Detroit. His deal was not adjusted to stay, per league source, proving that money is not Johnson’s biggest motivation. The Lions still could opt to adjust the contract down the line, but it’s not the reason that Johnson returned to Detroit today. Johnson is loyal."Adam Schefter via X/Twitter
Johnson seemed like the perfect candidate to take the Commanders forward alongside general manager Adam Peters. It'll be interesting to see which direction they turn, but time is of the essence in no uncertain terms.
Commanders could hire Dan Quinn
The Washington Commanders are perhaps down to three candidates for their vacant head coaching position. Mike Macdonald left his second interview with the Seattle Seahawks without a contract on the table. Aaron Glenn met with those in power on Tuesday in Detroit. Before they hopped on their private jet, Josh Harris' hiring committee also spent considerable time with Dan Quinn.
Although there is still time for a curveball, all signs now point to one of these men taking the Commanders forward. Quinn is gaining significant momentum in the wake of Ben Johnson's bombshell. It would receive a mixed reaction among Washington's fanbase, but the new regime is looking for a leader of men to potentially bring the glory days back to DC.
Quinn's work with the Dallas Cowboys defense has reestablished his head coaching credentials after things turned sour with the Atlanta Falcons. But make no mistake, this is a retread that could go either way.
While the candidate had some success - reaching a Super Bowl and almost winning it all before their famous collapse from 28-3 ahead - how things concluded before his firing leaves reasons for concern.
If the Commanders went with Quinn, it would be underwhelming when one looks at the candidates available. But if the likes of Harris, general manager Adam Peters, and Magic Johnson believe this is the guy to spearhead their ambitious on-field plans, fans must allow a certain level of trust.
Time will tell…