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Who will be the next head coach of the Washington Commanders? Washington began the next step in its head coaching search this week, scheduling second interviews for this week and next week.
The Commanders interviewed Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik twice this week, and have scheduled in-person interviews with Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for this week, too.
Next week, the Commanders will travel to Detroit to interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Washington also wants to schedule second interviews with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver.
Since Washington fired Ron Rivera over two weeks ago, Johnson has been the reported top target. However, the Commanders, under new owner Josh Harris and new GM Adam Peters, promised a thorough search to find the best leader.
While many around the NFL believe Johnson will end up in Washington once Detroit’s season ends, one NFL legend and media member believes Johnson to the Commanders is a “lock.”
On his radio show, “Boomer and Gio,” on WFAN in New York, Boomer Esiason said Johnson is the best coach available — and that was before the Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh on Wednesday evening.
“I’ll tell you who the best coach available is…….his name is Ben Johnson; he’s the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions,” Esiason said.
“Runs an unbelievable offense, but he’s going to be the next head coach of the Commanders, I told ya.”
Esiason’s co-host asked him: “So, you’re telling me that’s a lock?”
“Yeah,” Esiason replied. When pressed again, Esiason said, “Yes.”
Boomer says Ben Johnson will be the next head coach of the Commanders 👀 @WFANmornings @GioWFAN pic.twitter.com/v5TqiWSuTb
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) January 24, 2024
There’s certainly a lot of smoke surrounding Johnson’s possible move to Washington, but nothing can be finalized until after the Lions lose. Detroit plays the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship on Sunday. If the Lions win, they’ll play in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.