The Washington Commanders fired Ron Rivera this morning and it has taken them just a few hours to make their first interview requests. Both coordinators for the Lions, Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, have been requested by the Commanders to interview with their group assigned to finding the new head coach.
Both men were expected to see their names in the mix for head coaching vacancies after the team won the NFC North and finished 12-5. Johnson has been a hot coaching name in circles all year as he morphed the Lions’ defense into something not many expected. For Glenn, the Lions’ break defense also garnered attention specifically with his development and usage of defensive linemen and edge rushers.
Washington is expected to be seen as the best coaching vacancy for potential new hires. The team is projected to have over $70 million in salary cap space, they also have the second overall pick in the NFL draft, and the new leadership group has brought renewed energy to the franchise.
If Johnson and Glenn do interview for the job they will do so with their group created by owner Josh Harris will include Magic Johnson, David Blitzer, Mitch Rales, Bob Myers, and former NFL general manager Rick Spielman.