The 2024 NFL coaching carousel came and went, with eight different head coach openings being filled. One of those teams was the Washington Commanders, who hired former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their head coach.
However, before hiring Quinn, it was reported they had strong interest in Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. However, Johnson reportedly wasn’t interested and returned to Detroit. Why was this the case?
Ben Johnson’s Decision Not To Go to Washington
Johnson has been the Lions’ offensive coordinator since 2022. In his two seasons leading their offense, the Lions finished third in total offense. In 2023, they averaged 394.8 yards per game and scored 58 touchdowns. In 2022, they averaged 380 YPG and scored 54 TDs.
He decided to return to the Lions in 2023 because he received a raise. In 2024, however, he will not receive a raise and reportedly wanted to become a head coach. According to Jenna Laine of ESPN, Johnson was “turned off” by the Commanders’ ownership.
Laine further explained that Johnson feels that they are “basketball guys” and were too confident in their football opinions. Additionally, she heard he “didn’t interview well” and that it was not a good fit for both sides.
Within the Commanders’ ownership is Josh Harris, the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers. Harris led a group that purchased the team in 2023 from Daniel Snyder for $6.05 billion, the highest price ever paid for a sports team. Harris himself contributed $2 billion in cash.
Harris has owned the 76ers since 2011 after heading the same group that acquired the Commanders. Since owning the 76ers, they have won their division just once in 2020-2021, when they went 49-23.
Prior to their head coaching search, the Commanders and Harris hired Adam Peters as their general manager. Peters joined the Commanders from the San Francisco 49ers front office and was important in the search for a new coach.
Johnson’s decision to return to Detroit came just before the two sides were expected to meet for a second interview. It was initially reported by Adam Schefter that Johnson’s decision was based on loyalty and wanting to help lead Detroit to a Super Bowl.
MORE: Ben Johnson’s Salary
Schefter also added that, despite many believing it was the case, he was not a lock for the job.
While he didn’t end up with a job in 2024, Johnson will likely be a big-time coaching candidate again in 2025. For the Commanders, Quinn will try to take a team that struggled in 2023 and make a change for the better.
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!
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