Ross Tucker is everywhere. The former NFL offensive lineman has a popular network of football podcasts and is an analyst for both NFL and college games. He works for numerous media outlets and is a frequent guest on some of Washington’s most popular radio shows.
On Thursday, Tucker was on “The Chris Russell Show” on Team 980 in Washington to preview this weekend’s AFC and NFC Championship games.
Tucker also discussed the wild coaching carousel. He cannot believe several teams have already hired their coaches without waiting to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald next week. Tucker calls Johnson and Macdonald his top two candidates.
Tucker was also perplexed that the Titans hired Brian Callahan and the Panthers hired Dave Canales without even interviewing the legendary Bill Belichick.
Furthermore, Tucker also couldn’t believe Mike Vrabel is still available, calling the former Titans coach “elite” and “excellent.”
The Washington Commanders need a head coach and are one of two teams — along with the Seahawks — with an opening.
NFL insiders have long believed Johnson is Washington’s top target. Tucker thinks that would be a phenomenal hire.
“Really, really like him,” Tucker said of Johnson. “In fact, everything he does screams Niners’ system or (Kyle) Shanahan system, except he’s never been it. But that’s what it looks like when you watch it. Very, very, very impressive.”
Commanders analyst Logan Paulsen noted something similar about Johnson. His offense is similar to Shanahan’s, and you’d think he’d coached under him at some point.
I think he’d be a slam-dunk hire. People wanted him last year, and he decided to stay. What I like about him is he’s kind of done it two years now, right? He wasn’t like a one-year assistant coach wonder like some of these other guys can be.”
The longer this process plays out, it looks more and more like Johnson will be Washington’s head coach whenever Detroit’s season ends.