Report: Lions OC Johnson among Commanders' initial HC interview requests
The Washington Commanders quickly began their coaching search Monday after dismissing Ron Rivera, requesting interviews with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
The Commanders also asked to speak with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Washington requested a meeting with Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as well, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Johnson is expected to be the most in-demand offensive candidate in the 2024 hiring cycle after helping to turn the Lions into a contender in his two seasons at the helm. Detroit finished fifth in scoring offense this season and last season.
While the Lions' defense hasn't matched up to the offense's production, Glenn is also highly regarded. The veteran coach - who has been in Detroit for three years - was voted the top coordinator in the league by his players in an NFLPA survey.
Meanwhile, Morris served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-11 after an internal promotion and acted as the Atlanta Falcons' interim coach for 11 games in 2020. He has spent the last three campaigns with the Rams, helping the club win a Super Bowl in the 2021 season.
Weaver, who is also Baltimore's associate head coach, helped the Ravens lead the NFL in sacks this season. He was the Houston Texans' defensive coordinator in 2020 before joining Baltimore the following season.
Macdonald boasts the top-ranked defense in the NFL in his second season as the Ravens' DC. He spent years in various assistant roles in Baltimore after joining in 2014 before leaving for one year to lead Michigan's defense in 2021.
Johnson, Glenn, and Morris were candidates in last year's hiring cycle, and all three drew interest from multiple teams.
The Commanders fired Rivera after four seasons in charge and a 4-13 finish in 2023.
The NFL implemented a new rule in October prohibiting teams from conducting in-person interviews until after the divisional round, with only virtual meetings allowed.
Washington also requested interviews with Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham and Cleveland Browns assistant general manager Glenn Cook for the role of president of football operations, sources told Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
Philadelphia Eagles assistant GM Alec Halaby, Kansas City Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi, and San Francisco 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters are among the other candidates eyed for interviews for the front-office job, according to multiple reports.
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