The Washington Commanders are in the second week of their search for a new head coach. Washington kicked off the interview process last week with virtual interviews with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald and Ravens associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver.
This week, Washington has interviewed Rams DC Raheem Morris and Cowboys DC Dan Quinn and will interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Friday. It’s unknown when the Commanders interviewed Texans OC Bobby Slowik and Lions DC Aaron Glenn.
On Monday, Washington officially named former 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters as the franchise’s new general manager. Peters’ hiring continues to be celebrated as he was unanimously considered the top rising GM candidate.
So, who will the Commanders hire as their next coach?
The smoke around Johnson and Washington continues. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Dan Graziano predicted Johnson would be the next Commanders head coach.
Last week, multiple reports suggested Johnson was Washington’s top target.
As Johnson prepares for Detroit’s biggest game in over 30 years, he was asked about the current interview process.
“I’ve left that to other people, Johnson said, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
“I know it’s still a very fluid situation, and truth be told, we’ll find out more once the game plan is done. That’s been told to everybody I’ve been around — nothing is more important than the game plan.”
That’s a good answer from Johnson. This time of year, it’s never easy for assistant coaches in the playoffs who are in contention for a head coaching job to remain focused solely on the game.
Johnson was also asked if he knew Peters. Here’s his answer:
“I know him just very briefly,” Johnson answered. “I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things about people that have worked with him directly or have met him over the course of scouting on the road. So, I look forward to meeting him and talking with him.”
Lions OC Ben Johnson was asked if he knows much about new Commanders GM Adam Peters pic.twitter.com/HMzaWhqauM
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 18, 2024
Johnson didn’t say much, but he didn’t rule out speaking with Peters. Depending on how this weekend’s slate of games goes, Washington’s vacancy could be filled sooner rather than later.
