Why Lions’ Ben Johnson ‘Spooked’ Commanders, Declined Head Coaching Jobs

30 JAN DENNISON REMAINS AMONG THE LIONS Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, informed the team that he would stay in his current position through the 2024 season, hence the Washington Commanders will not be employing him. The erstwhile front-runner for the Commanders position “spooked” teams with his asking price, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and he wasn’t the exciting prospect that observers thought he was. Washington is now focused on Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Baltimore Ravens coaches Mike Macdonald and Anthony Weaver now that Johnson is off the team’s radar.

JAN 29 EMINEM VS. BEN JOHNSON The Washington Commanders coaching search is winding down, and it appears Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a top candidate. However, there’s one person in particular who doesn’t one him to leave … possibly the Lions’ most famous fan, Eminem. Eminem was interviewed by ePro Team, where he warned Johnson not to leave the Lions, or else there would be consequences. “Ben Johnson, if you leave us, diss record is coming,” Eminem joked. Johnson is expected to interview with the Commanders on Tuesday. JAN 28 COMMANDERS CAN INTERVIEW MACDONALD The Washington Commanders coaching search is now three weeks old, but now they have the chance to interview one of the league’s top coordinators.

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald saw his team lose the AFC Championship Game to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 on Sunday, which means he can now be approached for a second interview with the Washington Commanders. Macdonald met with the Commanders virtually earlier this month, but now he can interview in person … and with only two coaching vacancies left in the NFL, he may have a good shot at the Washington job. JAN 23 COMMANDERS TO ‘SEND CONTINGENT’ TO DETROIT The Washington Commanders are continuing their coaching search, and they want a closer look at some of the league’s top coordinators.

The Commanders will “send a contingent” to meet with Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, the coordinators for the Detroit Lions, next week, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero. Johnson and Glenn won’t be able to talk to other teams until after Sunday’s game since they are busy getting the Lions ready for their NFC Championship matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. 22 JAN RIVERA SPEAKING WITH EAGLES Ron Rivera, the former coach of the Washington Commanders, might soon be looking for work.

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