Commanders News: Sam Howell, Eric Bieniemy, Ben Johnson and staff change

Commanders connection to Ben Johnson

It seems for all the smart money as if Ron Rivera's time as Washington Commanders' head coach will conclude after the season. One of the names being touted for the job is Ben Johnson, who'll be a hot commodity after once again leading the Detroit Lions offense to great things in 2023.

Johnson turned down a few offers during the previous cycle to see things out with Lions head coach Dan Campbell. His stock won't ever be higher than it is currently, with Bryan Manning from USA Today Sports highlighting the connection between the play-caller and quarterback Sam Howell as a potential tempting element to this equation.

"Could Johnson be a match for the Commanders? Much of that could depend on what he thinks of quarterback Sam Howell. If Washington wants to build around Howell, it will need a coach with a similar mindset. Johnson has some history — albeit brief — with Howell. Johnson graduated from the University of North Carolina, where he was a walk-on quarterback from 2004-07. Howell was a record-setting quarterback for the Tar Heels from 2019-21. Rest assured, Johnson has an opinion on Howell, being that he quarterbacked at his alma mater. Fast forward to the 2022 Senior Bowl. The Detroit Lions coached the American squad. Howell was one of three quarterbacks on the American roster."

- Bryan Manning, USA Today Sports

This is all speculation and is likely to remain that way for the next few weeks. Josh Harris and his team of wealthy investors will already be coming up with a shortlist and when the time comes, will likely strike with supreme conviction to land their preferred target.

Make no mistake, Johnson should be one of the first names they call.