Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lions OC Ben Johnson, Commanders take shots at each other through the media

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 2/4/24

The Commanders and Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson can't seem to move on from each other.

After Johnson backed out of contention for Washington's head-coaching position earlier this week, both have used the media to attack the other.

However, instead of either gaining the upper hand, both sides look bad.

On Thursday, NFL insider Mike Garafolo said that Washington officials were underwhelmed by Johnson's initial interview.

"I don't think he interviewed particularly well... And I've heard that his personality... not the most gregarious guy. Not a ... Dan Quinn-type guy... I think he was pretty low on their list at that point," said Garafolo on Seattle radio's "Puck & Jim Show."

On Saturday, ESPN's Jenna Laine reported that Johnson was "'turned off' by Commanders ownership" because he viewed them as "basketball guys" who "were a little too confident in their football opinions."

Was told that Ben Johnson was "turned off" by Commanders ownership, that they're "basketball guys" and felt they were a little too confident in their football opinions. And I also heard that he "didn't interview well." He said, he said, but clearly not a good fit for both sides. https://t.co/negeevYsha
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) February 3, 2024

The Commanders are foolish for suggesting they were unimpressed with Johnson's initial interview. If that was the case, why schedule a second interview? By leaking that detail to Garafolo, the Commanders just look like they're covering for themselves after hiring Quinn, which was considered the worst coaching hire this offseason.

It could also make the Commanders less attractive for coaching candidates in the future. Why would coaches interview with Washington if there's a chance the organization will leak information if it doesn't get its way?

As for Johnson, not only did he show poor timing in waiting until the Commanders staff was flying to Detroit to inform them he wasn't interested in the job, but lobbing insults at the franchise should give other front offices pause in bringing him in for an interview in the years to come.

flew commercial outta Reagan and then they gave him the job after Johnson’s text (to text while they were already in the air is straight gangsta) is the tell. Needless to say, Johnson didn’t make any friends at Commanders Park or whatever it’s called now. That established, all
— Jason Reid (@JReidESPN) February 3, 2024