The Detroit Lions‘ magical 2023 season has come to an end, as they fell to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, 34-31. With Detroit’s title quest now over, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s head coaching market can heat up.
However, while many see Johnson becoming the Washington Commanders‘ head coach as a foregone conclusion, it might not be the case. NFL insider Adam Schefter is holding back on making any assurances. What did he say?
Adam Schefter Says He Isn’t Convinced Ben Johnson Gets the Commanders’ Job
While there were many head coaching jobs that opened up following the conclusion of the 2023 regular season, only two now remain. The Seattle Seahawks and Commanders have yet to hire their new head coach, presumably waiting for how the playoffs will shake out. Now that the Baltimore Ravens and Lions have been eliminated, Seattle and Washington will likely move fast.
“People have said that Ben Johnson is going to Washington and Dan Quinn is going to Seattle,” said Schefter on the Pat McAfee Show. “I will bet you that at a minimum, one of those is not right… Maybe both.”
In addition to Johnson and Quinn, there are plenty of other head coaching candidates. Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is a hot name, as is former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Schefter added that if Jim Harbaugh didn’t get the Los Angeles Chargers job, then Vrabel would have. Bill Belichick is also still available.
Ben Johnson has been the Lions’ offensive coordinator since 2022, but he’s been with the organization since 2019 and has previously served as an offensive quality control coach, tight ends coach, and passing game coordinator. In 2023, the Lions had the third-best offense in the NFL, averaging 394.8 yards per game and scoring 58 touchdowns.
Johnson garnered head coaching interest following the 2022 season, when the Lions had a top-five offense and scored over 30 points in eight games, but he decided to stick with the franchise.
While Schefter said Johnson to Washington isn’t a guarantee, it isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility, either. “He may get that job — he very well may — he’s in contention, but that is not a slam dunk at all right now,” said Schefter.
According to Albert Breer and Conor Orr, the Seahawks are set to interview Johnson and Macdonald on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, for their head coaching job. The team let go of longtime head coach Pete Carroll in early January. Carroll will still remain with the organization as an advisor following 14 seasons with the team.
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The Commanders, similar to the Seahawks, are also expected to interview both Johnson and Macdonald on Monday and Tuesday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Anthony Weaver, Aaron Glenn, and Dan Quinn are also all expected to interview with the Commanders.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!