Are the Washington Commanders deciding between Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the next head coach?
Washington interviewed Quinn virtually last week. The Commanders set up a second interview with him — in person — this week. They interviewed Johnson virtually over the weekend for the first time.
As the Lions prepare to face the 49ers in the NFC Championship on Sunday, NFL teams can’t speak to prospective head coaching candidates in the week leading up to the game.
So, the Commanders are planning on meeting Johnson in Detroit next week.
Washington’s meeting with Quinn next week is believed to be the third meeting — the second in person.
The Commanders plan to meet with Cowboys DC Dan Quinn next week, source confirms.
Would be Quinn's third meeting with Washington and second in-person should that happen.
He is meeting with the Seahawks today.
(@RapSheet 1st)
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 25, 2024
If the Lions lose on Sunday, Washington could hire Johnson next week. He’s believed to be the top candidate, but there is clearly serious interest in Quinn. New general manager Adam Peters says the top priority for Washington’s next head coach is not offense or defense; it’s leadership. Quinn is known as an outstanding leader, and he’s also a former head coach.
Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was also believed to be one of Washington’s top choices, but he agreed to become the Falcons’ next head coach on Thursday.
There are only two head coaching openings remaining: the Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks. Quinn, a former defensive coordinator for Seattle, is believed to be a top contender for that job.
Is Seattle waiting to hire its next head coach because it wants to speak to Johnson?
With these two jobs remaining and both franchises interested in the same candidates, are we down to a battle between Johnson and Quinn to become Washington’s next head coach? Or is Johnson to Washington simply a foregone conclusion?
We shall see soon.