Commanders news: Ben Johnson, Phidarian Mathis, Bobby Slowik and Adam Peters

Commanders pursuit of Ben Johnson

There is an increasing belief around the league that Ben Johnson is a leading candidate to become Washington Commanders head coach. This would be a major coup for the organization and a significant statement of intent after already landing Adam Peters, who was the hottest name on the general manager circuit by a considerable margin.

Nothing has been confirmed one way or another as yet. The Commanders are covering every base, but things should become clearer next week after the Detroit Lions conclude their NFC Conference championship game at the San Francisco 49ers.

According to multiple reports, the Commanders plan to send their star-studded brain trust to meet with Johnson and Aaron Glenn on Monday. Those in power also plan to speak with Anthony Weaver, who could be an intriguing defensive coordinator candidate if he doesn't do enough to secure the top job.

Most sportsbooks are now projecting Johnson to be the odds-on favorite to land the Commanders' head coaching gig. The Carolina Panthers also seem to have thrown in the towel on their long-standing pursuit of the play-caller, which is telling when one considers how much billionaire owner David Tepper coveted him during the previous cycle.

Josh Harris and Peters are doing their due diligence on everyone shortlisted to get a broader perspective on what each brings to the table. If Johnson is the guy, then this offseason couldn't have started any better for a franchise looking to become a force after so long in the proverbial wilderness.