Source: Commanders Coach Target Ben Johnson in 'Tug of War' With Another Suitor
Once a Washington Commanders fan plows through the nonsense, there can be clarity.
Look how quickly owner Josh Harris moved to hiring a GM in Adam Peters of the 49ers. Now watch how quickly the coach hire - with Ben Johnson targeted - happens.
And then understand that this homework and this groundwork, never muddied by the nonsensical "reports" of Bill Belichick coming here, indicate that this ain't Harris' first rodeo ... and that his (and his search committee's) idea of Peters and Johnson is not a newly-baked one.
Done deal No. 2? Not yet. While Peters is in just a scant four days following the dismissal of Commanders boss Ron Rivera - again, proof that these plans were considered long ago - the primo choice of Johnson has not and cannot be cemented in just yet.
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And why not? In part of course because Johnson is still working in these playoffs as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
And in part because an NFL source tells CommanderCountry.com at SI that there is still a "tug-of-war" with another suitor on the brink of happening.
Our source did not pinpoint the other potential top bidder; we know that five teams have submitted the "slip" request: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans and Commanders.
What does Johnson think of all of this?
“It’s awesome,” said the 37-year-old coach. “Quite an honor. But I honestly haven’t thought about it, beyond anything that’s going on this week (the Lions host the Rams in the first round of this weekend's playoffs). So, just leave it at that right now.”
Johnson isn't "thinking" about it. But his agent is. And so are the Commanders, who we believe will do what it takes to win that "tug-of-war" with one or more other suitors.
