Ben Johnson was once viewed as a “lock” for the Washington Commanders head coach job, but that all changed on Tuesday.
News broke on Tuesday that Johnson would remain with the Detroit Lions as their offensive coordinator for another season rather than attempt to land the Commanders job. The news emerged while the Commanders’ brass was on their way to Detroit for interviews with both Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
So what happened with Johnson?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Johnson’s asking price “spooked” some teams.
Ben Johnson was not the head-coaching lock that people thought and his asking price spooked some teams, per sources. https://t.co/cFl2FPBtcY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2024
That’s interesting. We had heard something similar in December, which was that Johnson had a huge asking price.
If the information is true, either Johnson thinks that highly of his abilities, or he felt so comfortable in his current position that he anyone who hired him would have had to meet his lofty standards and price.
Interestingly, other reporters have said the biggest reason Johnson chose to remain in Detroit is because the coach feels he has unfinished business and wants to win a Super Bowl with the Lions.
Biggest upset of the playoffs: Lions OC Ben Johnson is returning for another year. Was told same reason as last year: He's got some unfinished business, wants to win a Super Bowl https://t.co/VkHseQ2ENm via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 30, 2024
Johnson was a hot candidate two years in a row but chose to stay with Detroit both times. The 37-year-old is gambling that he will continue to have success with Detroit and be a desired head coach candidate in the future.
