Since moving on from head coach Ron Rivera, we’ve seen the Washington Commanders act quickly, selecting Adam Peters to be their new general manager. Now, Peters, who arrives from the San Francisco 49ers, will be tasked with hiring Rivera’s replacement.
Earlier, reports surfaced of the Commanders taking a unique approach to their head coaching search, where they don’t necessarily just hire the biggest, most proven name available. If so, someone like Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh, or Mike Vrabel would likely be near the top of the list. Yet, as mentioned, the Commanders are expected to head in a different direction.
Related: Washington Commanders ownership group may take unconventional route to hiring head coach
Washington Commanders’ top head coach target is reportedly Detroit’s Ben Johnson
Still early in their process, the Washington Commanders are expected to remain flexible and open-minded throughout their coaching search. Yet, as The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports, Washington’s top target is Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who’s emerged as a very popular head coaching candidate during the past two seasons.
Johnson has been the play-caller for Dan Campbell’s Lions since joining the team in 2022, where Detroit has had a top-ten scoring attack each of the past two years. Last offseason, Carolina Panthers team owner David Tepper reportedly wanted to hire Johnson too, but the Lions offensive coordinator chose to withdraw his name from consideration, and the team chose Frank Reich instead.
Now, with the Panthers once Washiagain looking for a new head coach, the belief is that Johnson remains a top target in Carolina too. Yet, as Russini’s report states, they’re not the only team interested in the rising star.