The Curious Saga of Ben Johnson and the Commanders
The Hottest Coaching Prospect a Year Ago
Around this time last year, Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was the most sought-after coaching candidate in the NFL. Teams lined up to secure his services, with the Washington Commanders leading the charge. Their interest was anything but subtle, as they reportedly prepared to go all-in on the rising star.
A High-Stakes Journey to Detroit
The Commanders had bold plans to meet Johnson in Detroit for an in-person interview, alongside Lions’ defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Mid-flight, however, Johnson surprised the Commanders by informing them that he intended to stay with the Lions. Despite this revelation, the Commanders pressed on, landing in Detroit and conducting their interview with Glenn.
The Commanders’ Narrative Spins Out of Control
What followed was a peculiar series of reports and rumors, seemingly aimed at controlling the narrative around Johnson’s decision. The first came from Adam Schefter, who suggested that Johnson’s price tag was too steep for interested teams. Oddly enough, this claim surfaced just after Johnson’s decision to remain in Detroit was announced. If cost was truly a concern, why had the Commanders invested in a costly trip to interview him?
Next, Albert Breer reported that Johnson’s first interview with Washington didn’t impress. This raised even more questions—if the interview went so poorly, why would the Commanders prioritize a second meeting with him? The inconsistencies began to pile up.
The Most Puzzling Claim Yet
The most baffling twist came when Commanders insider Lake Lewis Jr. claimed that mid-flight, Washington GM Adam Peters and Johnson had a disagreement over the team’s quarterback. According to the report, Johnson wanted to stick with Sam Howell, while Peters preferred drafting Jayden Daniels. This alleged dispute supposedly led to the cancellation of the interview, with Peters instructing the plane to turn around.
Yet, this account contradicts the reality: the Commanders did land in Detroit and proceeded with an interview—just not with Johnson.
A Recap of the Contradictions
To summarize the bizarre tale:
- The Commanders flew to Detroit to meet Johnson, despite claims they couldn’t afford him.
- Johnson’s initial interview was reportedly unimpressive, yet they pursued a second meeting.
- Allegedly, Johnson’s preference for Sam Howell surfaced mid-flight, triggering a canceled interview—yet the plane still landed in Detroit.
- Every credible source indicates Johnson backed out, but the Commanders’ narrative insists they walked away.
- They were told to turn the plane around but went to Detroit anyway, interviewing Aaron Glenn.
A Case of Misdirection?
The Commanders’ actions and the subsequent reports paint a confusing and contradictory picture. Was this an elaborate attempt to save face after missing out on Johnson? Or a case of miscommunication taken to the extreme? Whatever the truth, the story of Ben Johnson and the Commanders will undoubtedly remain one of the most perplexing coaching sagas in recent NFL history.
