Ben Johnson reportedly in serious competition for Washington Commanders’ job with fellow Detroit Lions coach and others

While Ben Johnson seems to be the odds-on favorite to be the next head coach of the Washington Commanders, he could get some serious competition in the next couple of weeks, including from a fellow member of the Detroit Lions coaching staff.

Just a couple of weeks ago, there were as many as eight head coach openings in the NFL. However, over the last week, that number has been widdled down to just two teams: The Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks. Despite elite head coaches like Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh, and Mike Vrabel being available, both organizations have steered away from those big names.

While it is still unclear what direction Seattle will go, all indications are that the Commanders have their sights on making Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson their next head coach once Detroit’s season ends. However, the team’s front office would not be doing their job if they did not speak with any interesting candidates still available.

Sources claim Ben Johnson is not a lock for the Washington Commanders head coach job

In recent days, the organization has had conversations with Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. On Saturday night, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Commanders are now expected to have second interviews with both men when the Ravens end their season this weekend or after the Super Bowl in two weeks.

Johnson is also expected to have a second interview with Washington soon, but Schefter also revealed that Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will speak with the franchise again soon as well.

Recent reports have claimed Johnson is the favorite to land the job, but Schefter added that sources have informed him the rumors are not true and the aforementioned names are still “very much in play” to land the opening in the next few weeks.

Johnson has been a popular candidate over the last two years and nearly landed a head coach job last season before the Lions gave him a major raise to remain in Detroit this season.

Related: Washington Commanders ownership group may take unconventional route to hiring head coach

By Jason Burgos

After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos