The Washington Commanders faced a challenging search for coaching staff, with a particular focus on the fallout after Ben Johnson, the Lions' offensive coordinator, turned them down to stay in Detroit. Johnson's decision was communicated to Washington officials via text by his agent while the Commanders' group was on a flight, leaving them to find out through Twitter and a later in-flight Wi-Fi text. The incident has been criticized by league sources, as reported by Ben Standig and Dianna Russini, and described as the Commanders getting 'screwed'. Further criticism arose as the Commanders, or a proxy, were accused of engaging in vindictive score-settling with Johnson. The Commanders also missed out on Mike Macdonald after being outbid by the Seahawks, amid leaked claims that Johnson wanted too much money.
NFL sources blast Ben Johnson for handling of Commanders interview https://t.co/F5wYxS27Ww https://t.co/O18W7zEBLt
One detail in here on the @Commanders search—the team's brass found out that Ben Johnson had dropped out ... right here on Twitter. The group was flying, and saw it there. Johnson's text to the crew didn't come thru til later on the in-flight wifi. More on the process ⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/KSZhqp3maO
#Commanders — or a proxy — are engaging in a campaign of score-settling with #Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. It’s a bad look. If you’re *that* pissed about the pursuit, cross him off your list and move on. Retribution on this level just tells people you’re vindictive.
"Once Ben Johnson was out of the running, the Commanders thought they were going to get Mike Macdonald until the Seahawks swooped in with more money, league sources told The Athletic." WAS leaked Ben wanted too much money, then were out-bid here. https://t.co/W66nqcypIA
Ben Johnson's agent shared his plans to stay in Detroit by texting Washington officials while the Commanders’ group was on a flight to Michigan. League sources shared one unified sentiment: The Commanders got screwed, write @BenStandig and @DMRussini. https://t.co/UVNwAYAyFA https://t.co/I30oolPaRY
The ugly fallout after Ben Johnson spurns Commanders: ‘Basketball guys’ https://t.co/VJGlsNUyqu https://t.co/OI41ueEhWu