The saga between Ben Johnson and the Washington Commanders took yet another turn this weekend.
Jenna Laine of ESPN reported on Saturday that Johnson, who rejected Washington’s head coaching position last week, was “turned off” by Commanders ownership and that felt they were “basketball guys” too confident in their football opinions.
This report came following NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo’s reporting that Washington was not all that impressed by Johnson, feeling that he did not interview well and lacked a gregarious personality they sought.
Johnson, 37, was considered by many to be the frontrunner for the Commanders head coaching position but stunningly decided he would return to the Detroit Lions as offensive coordinator after helping them reach the NFC Championship Game.
Johnson made his decision to return to the Lions while the Commanders brass was en route flying to Detroit to meet with him for a second interview.
The Commanders, led by owner Josh Harris (who also owns the 76ers), and minority owners Magic Johnson and David Blitzer, ultimately hired Dan Quinn as head coach to replace Ron Rivera.