Tag: Coaching Search

It’s a ‘foregone conclusion’ that Ben Johnson winds up as Commanders’ head coach

Another NFL insider believes Johnson to the Commanders is a done deal.

After the Washington Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera on Jan. 8, several NFL insiders identified Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their likely top target.

But first, Washington needed to hire a general manager. After a thorough but rapid search that saw the Commanders interview five candidates, they hired former 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters.

Washington has interviewed eight known candidates for head coach:

  • Ravens associate head coach/DL coach Anthony Weaver
  • Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald
  • Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn
  • Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson
  • Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy
  • Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik
  • Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn
  • Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris

Earlier this week, CBS Sports analyst — and former NFL quarterback — Boomer Esiason said Johnson to Washington was a “lock.” Still, the Commanders have been busy scheduling second interviews throughout the week. Washington will reportedly fly to Detroit after Sunday’s NFC Championship Game to speak with Johnson and Glenn for the second time.

The Commanders are tentatively scheduled to interview Quinn again next week, too.

However, another NFL insider weighed in on Washington’s search for a head coach. ESPN’s Jeff Darlington said on Friday that it’s a “foregone conclusion” the Commanders will hire Johnson.

“It is a pretty foregone conclusion in Washington, albeit one that we’ll have to wait on to see with certainty, that Ben Johnson will wind up being the coach of the Commanders after the Lions’ season ends,” Darlington said on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” via Marlowe Alter of the Detroit Free Press.

If the Lions lose to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, Washington can hire Johnson next week.

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Commanders HC target Ben Johnson has worked with Sam Howell

The Commanders could have a lot of Carolina Blue in the QB room in 2024.

Ben Johnson has already coached and worked with Sam Howell.

At that time, the NFL rotated teams to coach the annual Senior Bowl, an all-star game of sorts for college seniors hoping to have an NFL career.

The Lions coaching staff was chosen for the 2022 Senior Bowl. In the brief video posted above, Johnson is seen doing some work with former Liberty University quarterback Malik Willis as well as current Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

In one instance, Johnson is seen joking around with Howell, asking Howell about being the second-greatest quarterback in North Carolina history. Howell then responds, asking who was first? Johnson was a quarterback at North Carolina during the 2004 through 2007 seasons. It is not revealed in the video if Howell was aware of the Carolina football history involving Johnson as a quarterback.

Johnson, though a Tar Heel quarterback for four seasons, was lower on the depth chart and never played quarterback during an actual UNC game.

Being a UNC alumnus, there is no doubt Johnson is well aware of the most recent UNC quarterback Drake Maye. Maye is expected to be drafted in the top five in April’s 2024 NFL draft, and it could be that Johnson will be coaching Maye next season for the Commanders.

At the time of the 2022 Senior Bowl, Johnson was still the Lions tight ends coach. However, he served as an offensive coordinator during the Senior Bowl week.

In that offseason, Johnson was promoted to the Lions’ offensive coordinator position, which he has served well in for the past two seasons. Incidentally, Panthers owner David Tepper wanted Johnson to be the Panthers’ head coach during the 2023 offseason. However, Johnson was determined to remain with the Lions for another season.

After a much better 2023 season with the Lions, Johnson is now one of the more desired head coach candidates in this 2024 hiring cycle. The Commanders interviewed Johnson (virtually) last week. In addition, the Commanders have scheduled an in-person interview with Johnson next week.

Ross Tucker believes Ben Johnson would be a ‘slam-dunk hire’ for the Commanders

Ross Tucker raves about Ben Johnson, can’t believe Mike Vrabel, Bill Belichick didn’t land more interviews.

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.

Cowboys DC Dan Quinn to meet with Commanders again next week

Is this a battle between Dan Quinn and Ben Johnson?

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.

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.

 

Falcons, Panthers name head coaches, only 2 openings remain

The path is much clearer for Ben Johnson to Washington after Thursday’s hirings.

And then there were two.

On Thursday, the Carolina Panthers hired Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Dave Canales as their new head coach. Later in the day, the Atlanta Falcons hired Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Those moves left only two head coaching openings: the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks.

Canales, 42, came to Tampa Bay last year as the offensive coordinator. He was instrumental in turning around the career of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had been on four teams since 2021. Mayfield signed a one-year contract and had a career year working with Canales. He is in line for a massive contract this offseason after surprisingly leading the Buccaneers to the NFC South title and a playoff win.

Before he came to Tampa Bay, Canales spent 13 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He spent his first eight years in Seattle as a wide receivers coach. In 2018, he moved to quarterbacks coach. In 2020, he was elevated to passing game coordinator for two seasons, and in 2022, he remained the QB coach. It was in 2022 when Canales helped Geno Smith rejuvenate his career, leading the veteran signal-caller to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Morris, a former Tampa Bay head coach for three seasons, served three years as a defensive backs coach in Washington. He was 32 when he became head coach of the Bucs in 2009 and has worked for years to earn another opportunity. He spent six years with the Falcons, including a stint as the interim coach in 2020. He landed with Sean McVay and the Rams in 2021, where he has been the defensive coordinator for the past three seasons.

Morris is a beloved coach, and many around the NFL are happy for him to receive another opportunity. Morris interviewed twice with the Commanders, including on Wednesday, and was believed to be high on Washington’s list.

Atlanta and Carolina, having filled their jobs, seem to have eliminated two of the biggest competitors for the Commanders’ reported top target, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Johnson and the Lions play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFC Championship. The Commanders plan to travel to Detroit to interview Johnson next week. If the Lions lose, Washington could hire Johnson — if he’s the pick — next week. If Detroit wins, the Commanders would have to wait another week.

It appears the Commanders are down to Johnson and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

 

 

Two more head coaching jobs filled while Lions assistants keep playing on

Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn are still prepping the Lions for the NFC Championship game while 2 more head coaching jobs got filled

Detroit Lions assistant coaches Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson are busy preparing the team for the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. But they’re also head coaching candidates for several of the vacancies around the league.

There are two less of those vacancies now that there were 24 hours ago.

On Wednesday night, news broke that Jim Harbaugh was leaving Michigan and the college ranks behind to accept the head coaching gig with the Los Angeles Chargers. That’s a position that both Glenn and Johnson interviewed for last weekend.

Some 18 hours later, multiple reports indicate the Carolina Panthers have hired Dave Canales as their new head coach. Canales, 42, was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023 after spending years as an offensive assistant with the Seattle Seahawks.

While Glenn never interviewed with the Panthers, Johnson was an early favorite to be offered the position. He was the top choice for Panthers owner Dave Tepper last offseason, when Johnson pulled his name from consideration after interviewing with Carolina.

Johnson is still regarded as a prime candidate for the Washington Commanders head coaching vacancy. One report on Thursday even had Johnson as “a lock” to be the new coach there, though that remains to be seen.

Ex-Lions assistant coach Duce Staley finds a new team

Former Lions assistant head coach Duce Staley will be the new RB coach for the Cleveland Browns

Duce Staley is joining his third NFL team in the last 12 months. The former Lions assistant head coach and running backs coach will be the new RB coach for the Cleveland Browns.

Staley was the assistant head coach and RB coach under Dan Campbell in Detroit for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He left after 2022 to join the Carolina Panthers in a move that allowed Staley to be closer to his home and family. Alas, his time in Carolina was short; Staley was among those let go when the Panthers cleaned house during the 2023 season.

In Cleveland, Staley replaces Stump Mitchell, who was one of three offensive assistants let go after the Browns lost in the AFC playoffs. He is reunited with Browns defensive coordinator — and former Lions head coach — Jim Schwartz, whom he coached with in Philadelphia for five seasons.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor says Commanders target Ben Johnson is ‘brilliant’

Bengals coach Zac Taylor has tried to hire Ben Johnson multiple times, but he kept getting promoted.

No wonder the Commanders new GM Adam Peters, is seeking to hire Ben Johnson.

Johnson, the current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, is largely credited with the job he has done with quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions offense.

In addition, Wednesday it was brought to light again how Bengals head coach Zac Taylor spoke of Johnson in 2022. What’s worth noting is Taylor spoke this way of Johnson in February, and Johnson did not coach his first NFL game as an offensive coordinator until later in September.

Taylor and Johnson both coached a few years in college before joining their first NFL staff (Miami) in 2012. Taylor was age 29, and Johnson was 26. Taylor, on the Dolphins staff for four seasons (2012-15), went from assistant QB coach to QB Coach to interim offensive coordinator.

Johnson worked on the staff through the 2018 season as an offensive assistant, assistant QB coach, assistant WR coach, and tight ends coach.

Taylor became the Bengals head coach in 2019. Three seasons later, Taylor volunteered, “I’ve tried to hire Ben many, many, many times,” Taylor revealed during a Super Bowl media session. “He always just gets promoted to where I can’t get him. (Lions coach) Dan (Campbell) knows that. I’ve always just tried to find a place for him on staff, whether it’s offense, defense, special (teams), it doesn’t matter. He’s one of those guys you want on your staff because he’s brilliant.”

“He’s just really sharp,” Taylor continued. “He’s got a mathematics background. He’s much smarter than I was in school. He sees things differently. He does a great job with the analytics side of things, as well. He’s just one of the really, truthfully one of the sharpest football coaches in this league, and he’s only going to continue to learn from his experiences.”

Brilliant, really sharp, mathematic background, much smarter, a great job with the analytics side of things…”

Next comes the interview next week with the Commanders. Adam Peters knows he needs an intelligent head coach. But he also made it clear he knows he needs a leader of the room, of the entire roster, the coaching staff.

Will Ben Johnson be that well-rounded, intelligent, and strong leader that Peters is seeking?

 

Will Commanders GM Adam Peters attend the Senior Bowl?

The Senior Bowl begins next week. The Commanders will have a busy week.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the official kickoff to draft season. That’s where NFL scouts, coaches and others gather for one week to watch practice and put draft-eligible players through drills in preparation for the actual game.

Each team is coached by numerous NFL assistant coaches, a departure from the past, where each side would be coached by an entire NFL team’s coaching staff.

With the NFL world convening in Mobile, Alabama, it’s also a bit of a job fair for coaches and executives looking to land their next gig. Practices begin on Monday, Jan. 29, with the game being played on Saturday, Feb. 3.

The Washington Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The Commanders also have three of the top 40 picks and six selections among the first 102. Washington has had a lot of success in selecting players from the Senior Bowl over the years, with Terry McLaurin, Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson Jr. and Sam Howell among current Commanders who’ve stood out during Senior Bowl week.

Washington also has a new general manager. So, certainly, Adam Peters will be in Mobile, right?

A longtime scout who made his name as a scout with the Patriots before moving into different roles with more responsibility with the Broncos and 49ers, Peters is considered by many to be the NFL’s top talent evaluator. Executives like Peters are made for Senior Bowl week.

Of course, Peters just started his new job with Washington. He also hasn’t hired a head coach yet. Remember, the Commanders are traveling to Detroit to meet Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for a second interview next week. Washington will also likely interview defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, too. The Commanders could also interview Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver again, too.

Additionally, Peters has plenty of decisions to make regarding the makeup of his front office. Will he keep current Martin Mayhew on in a different role? What about Marty Hurney? Eric Stokes?

It will be interesting to see if Peters travels with Washington’s contingent to Mobile next week. The front office/scouting staff has a different season than the coaches. They will likely stay on until after the draft, and then Peters would likely make moves to bring in some of his own people.

In a normal year, Peters would be at the Senior Bowl, watching every snap, every drill, but this time around, he may rely on Washington’s current staff to handle those details while he lines up the next head coach.

Don’t be surprised if Peters makes an appearance in Alabama next week. Regardless, he’ll be a busy man.

Boomer Esiason says Ben Johnson as Commanders next coach is a lock

Boomer Esiason believes Ben Johnson is the top available coach and that he’s going to Washington.

Who will be the next head coach of the Washington Commanders? Washington began the next step in its head coaching search this week, scheduling second interviews for this week and next week.

The Commanders interviewed Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik twice this week, and have scheduled in-person interviews with Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for this week, too.

Next week, the Commanders will travel to Detroit to interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Washington also wants to schedule second interviews with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver.

Since Washington fired Ron Rivera over two weeks ago, Johnson has been the reported top target. However, the Commanders, under new owner Josh Harris and new GM Adam Peters, promised a thorough search to find the best leader.

While many around the NFL believe Johnson will end up in Washington once Detroit’s season ends, one NFL legend and media member believes Johnson to the Commanders is a “lock.”

On his radio show, “Boomer and Gio,” on WFAN in New York, Boomer Esiason said Johnson is the best coach available — and that was before the Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday evening.

“I’ll tell you who the best coach available is…….his name is Ben Johnson; he’s the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions,” Esiason said.

“Runs an unbelievable offense, but he’s going to be the next head coach of the Commanders, I told ya.”

Esiason’s co-host asked him: “So, you’re telling me that’s a lock?”

“Yeah,” Esiason replied. When pressed again, Esiason said, “Yes.”

There’s certainly a lot of smoke surrounding Johnson’s possible move to Washington, but nothing can be finalized until after the Lions lose. Detroit plays the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship on Sunday. If the Lions win, they’ll play in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.