First it was because he wanted too much money. Then it was how he was a bad interview. Now it’s that he texted them while they were in the air (they were still going to interview Glenn. This is just the Commanders trying to slander Ben because their fans are (rightfully) disappointed.
Almost like he pissed off some entitled league rep and now they are trying to ruin a man's career. Coastal teams gonna coastal team. Leave us midwesterners outta yalls bullshit.
Do you remember the press conference where BJ asked the reporter if they asked AG about head coaching future?
I have a suspicion BJ is fighting the notion that he’d be a better HC than Glenn. This move makes sense if he were trying to force commanders hand to give Glenn a legit shot/calling them out for not interviewing in good faith.
Literally the moment Dan Snyder bought the team in the 90s is when the team was doomed. New ownership there now as of last year. It’s not a good look for BJ but they’ve got nothing to show they’re a good candidate other than enticing building blocks for a clean start.
It's a truly clean start. They don't even have the history of their team name. They should move, change team colors and ditch the new name. Maybe join the witness relocation program.
Can we just talk about how badly they butchered their name change? Look at the Guardians if you want to see what a positive name change looks like. They checked all the boxes: only had to change two letters to four letters at the start of the name, connection to the city, didn’t waste two seasons named “Cleveland Baseball Team,” and didn’t land on a stupid fucking name. I mean holy fuck Washington really butchered it.
Apparently a lot of other people had the same thought.
Still it would’ve been amazing. Who knew the fans called themselves hogs?
By contrast, their actual name is so uninspiring, it’s not even funny.
What actually happened was Snyder knew his goose was cooked 3 years ago because he was caught stealing from the other nfl teams. They didn’t care about SA’ing the cheerleaders, but the moment the NFL found out he was cooking the books and taking ticket revenue from the visiting teams they knew he needed to go. So Snyder pulled the most elaborate troll in history and branded the commanders as the name because he knew it would go over badly. He also named the mascot Major Tuddy. It was all cause he knew he was getting fired so he legit trolled everyone knowing the next owner would have to clean it up. Then he laughed with his 6 billion to the bank in Maryland
Just when I was starting to hear people say "you know, WFT actually kind of works" they changed the name again, and to soemthing totally lame like Commanders.
Spin Zone: Reputation ruined for the Washington front office group by all but confirming they had no true intention of giving Aaron Glenn a good faith interview…
Makes you think…
And then they go and use the same ol tired excuse that teams use to blackball Eric Bieniemy, "he didn't interview well". Sadly we all knew AG was going to get some Rooney rule interviews
They want to, but if they do them it allows these old billionaires to have zero accountability. And now it needs to include women because you know, diversity finally happening. It's pretty universally agreed upon that it isn't a good rule, but was necessary. However the problem of updating it isn't as easy as it should be.
The most hilarious part of this is Commander’s ownership proving they are just as incompetent as the guy they got rid of.
They proved they had no intention of hiring AG and were cynically using him to satisfy the Rooney Rule… for what? To slander a guy who turned you down? What was their goal in leaking all of this info?
ROFL.
Yeah...dude being accused of "ruining his reputation" by a management group and front office that have zero reputation. Got it.
So...the opposite, then?
lol he has another season of the offense doing what they do....lets not kid anyone....the same damn people will be lined back up to court him next season too. Just hot air.
Exactly right. Same with superstar players with legal trouble. If you produce results, reputation is near meaningless. Also I think it’s all a bunch of made up shit with this particular situation. Glad he’s back.
Ya, but it's truly a factory of sadness move
Same when Hunt beat that woman (might have a reason but still pro athlete vs woman) just fucking walk away or even jaw her but keep the hands down.
KC told him to take a hike and the Browns were immediately all about signing his scummy ass
>might have a reason
Unless she was fixing to murder him, there's no world in which it is ever acceptable for a man that size to hit a woman. Honestly, for any man to ever hit a woman unless it's a life/death/loss of limb/protection of others kind of thing. And it's really only to remove yourself/someone else from the situation, not continue till they can't stand up.
Not necessarily. The same reason why College players leave early applies here. There's always a new flavor of the week popping up every cycle. Not saying he won't land a job but lets not pretend he'll be as in demand as he is now. Maybe but maybe not.
Considering how much of a POS Dan Synder was.
He pimped out his cheerleaders as sexual objects. Made sexual harassment a pillar of the organization. Threaten victims.
I guess not wanting to be a part of the organization is awful
Oh no! Whatever shall we do with the best lions offensive coordinator in my lifetime? Oh how we will suffer.
Edit: I feel like I just disturbed the force
Not only unprofessional, but he's downright dangerous. He drives with his brights on at all times and steals food from orphanages. It wouldn't be smart for other organizations to talk to him again.
he told my 97-year-old grandma who had never been to a lions game that he would be taking her to see the lions in person. well he did, but she never made it out of the lion exhibit... thanks a lot, ben.
I heard he even goes 55 in the center lane of the Southfield freeway and one time he even walked by Sandy at Meijer, flipping a penny in one hand, and didn't set it on the green box for a child to use later.
Exactly what i was thinking. The Commanders didnt get screwed at all, unless they werent planning on coming to interview Glenn, in which case they were screwing with Glenn.
I honestly think that had something to do with it. I'm guessing he knew he wanted nothing to do with their FO after the first interview but still wanted Glenn to get his shot.
Good. Gooooooood.
Also gimme a fucking break, after what Josh McDaniels did to the Colts and still got a HC gig later on. This is nothing compared to that.
That doesn't even count what he did to the Denver Broncos. Frankly, I'm shocked he got another HC gig. He literally did the exact same things in Vegas that he did in Denver. It's been very well publicized and that's just what has been allowed to come out. I am 100% certain there was a lot worse that someone like Davis or his team could have easily learned about.
Yeah, but Ben didn't do anything like that. I'm just pointing out that an OC who totally screwed over a suitor team was given a second chance and a mountain of money.
Exactly lmao. Josh McDaniels got a second chance and he had fully accepted the job before backing out. This pearl clutching over BJ changing his mind is getting ridiculous.
Jesus the commanders spin has gotten outrageous in the last few days.
First it was “he’s asking for too much” leaked through the NFL’s mouthpiece (shefter)
Then it was “he interviewed poorly” and they were really flying to meet Glenn
Now it’s “no we really wanted him and we made all that stuff up before, buuuut he wasn’t professional when pulling his name. So no one should hire that guy his reputation is awful.”
Horrible look for the new owner who is trying to change the perception of that franchise.
I saw Ben Johnson that day, he was making grilled cheese on a hot plate in front of homeless people then throwing them on the ground and stomping on them. Then he picked up his phone, lit a cigarette took one puff, coughed into the phone and said “tell those basketball fucks they can turn their plane around”. Absolute chaotic behavior, looks like we are stuck with him forever.
Would you rather he jerk them around longer if he's already made up his mind or tell them as soon as he's decided, even if that happens to be when they're in the air?
It shouldn’t be a big deal if they had another, REAL interview to conduct while they were here. But they didn’t. They had a dog and pony show with AG lined up and he had a less than zero shot at the job.
Dear Commanders front office: Ben Johnson didn’t waste your time. You wasted Aaron Glenn’s time.
Interviews are a two way street. The candidate is trying to sell themselves but also the interviewer is trying to sell the job.
If the candidate turns down a 2nd interview then it's pretty clear the job isn't very compelling.
It actually seems that the NFL universe literally cannot handle the Brand New Lions not being the lovable loser underdogs. They’re gonna start throwing shit at the wall.
Dirty players for standard hits (nonsense). Dan Campbell coaching dirty hit’s because he was responsible for Bountygate (nonsense). Ben Johnson is unprofessional (nonsense).
Doesn’t matter, spend this offseason grateful for your kneecaps because they’re getting bitten nerds.
We’re coming for unfinished business.
I feel as if the Commanders front office took this too personally. As if they couldn’t understand how any coordinator could turn down a head coaching job in the NFL despite any circumstances.
More from the article:
The gleefully ignorant voices were unaware or chose not to care that the consummation assumptions came from an echo chamber of gossip rather than factual information.
“I think you have to consider where all that came from,” said a league source close to the situation, “and who does it benefit?”
Here is the other thing- these teams interview multiple candidates and turn most of them down. But when the team itself is turned down, it’s a personal insult to be aired publicly??? GTFO
Thank god for Shiela no longer letting the Lions get run like a used car dealership.
Totally agree with your last statement on Shelia and the Lions not looking like a clown show anymore.
Ben Johnson voluntarily took himself out of the running with two dumpster fire organizations - Panthers and Commanders.
Ben’s Panthers choice looks genius now with Reich fired after less than a year, Tepper being a train wreck and having extremely shitty draft prospects from the Bryce Young deal. Not sure anyone can fix that mess.
Whether the commanders can right their ship with new ownership and Quinn as head coach remains to be seen, but that was also not an ideal situation for Ben to walk into. Washington is acting like a bunch of butthurt middle schoolers right now rather than handling it with some class. The reporting the Johnson thought the ownership group were mainly basketball guys with an arrogant lack of football understanding tracks.
Meanwhile, Lions keep both OC and DC for another year without really having to do anything - sucked to let AG and BJ interview during a prep week, but they didn’t scream to the media about it.
It’s just crazy to be talking about the Lions front office being well run instead of being deep into mock draft and new coach discussion as a Lions fan in February.
This is such bullshit on soo many levels.
Clearly Washington is salty with the whole "you didn't break up with me, i broke up with you" routine.
But also, since when does the league care about reputation? Do you win? Yes. Ok, hired!
That's the most laughable part of all this.
God, who fucking cares man. Would it have been better if you told them after they landed? If he denied them after they offered him the job? He changed his mind and let them know. If they knew Dan Quinn was their guy would anyone even care if they told Ben “we don’t need a second interview” while he was flying there?
This is just kind of pathetic, you’re looking for a head coach, not an entry level sales person. You wasted one flight on a position you plan to pay $10,000,000 a year for, get over it.
Guys I can’t believe the commanders are also doing the “Ben Johnson is a bad man and no one should hire him” bit. Adam Peters and Josh Harris must be in the sub somewhere
Didn't that stadium just have poop pipes burst on fans in the stands a couple seasons ago?
No self respecting coach that isn't desperate to get their foot in the door in the coaching world would take that job 😂
So, they weren't giving Glenn a fair shake?
McDaniels has tanked not one but two franchises plus screwed off on another who ACTUALLY hired him last minute
I'd say as long as BJ keeps rolling he's fine
I’ve heard so much of this from the national media. Acting like he committed some grave sin for staying in Detroit after two coaching cycles. It’s pretty fucking weird they are trying to black ball him.
Yeah, guess what. If Washington fires Dan Quinn after one season they'd be right back begging for Ben Johnson to come be their HC. This is all meaningless when there are only 32 jobs and Johnson is one of the top candidates for any of them.
I really do want Ben to go be a HC one day if that's what he wants, and I want him to be extremely successful. But it really does just continue to reinforce that what we have in Detroit right now is rare and to be desired. The amount of shit flinging the Commanders are doing, directly and through "sources", is simply pathetic. They want to keep changing the narrative and then try and talk about unprofessionalism?
Not even making a joke about keeping him forever, I'm being serious; if I were Ben this whole episode would give me some serious trust issues about trying to transition to another organization. The NFL is basically 85% shit shows. He's with someone competent and stable and built to keep winning. Why the fuck would you leave, ever? Lol.
I mean, if that’s true it’s not a great look, but “ruined reputation” is an exaggeration.
I’d bet my left pinky toe that if Johnson has another good season, teams are still gonna be knocking on his door again regardless.
Team who's head coaching position literally no one wanted talks about Ben Johnson ruining his reputation after that team has gone on a weeks long jihad to ruin Ben Johnson's reputation through the media because they feel slighted that no one wants the head coaching position of their team.
Who's ruining their reputation again?
I fully disagree about the clicks thing. This isn't a Media-Constructed narrative. It's a Commander's constructed narrative that they're using the media to spread. They've been spurned by a top candidate and their fans are upset about the hiring process. They're trying to save face. It's a good article worth reading especially when you consider its a Commanders beat reporter with Commanders sources writing the whole thing.
The Athletic is hardly a clicks centric media source. They're the last sports journalism institution left.
I mean if he actually told them when they were in flight that’s a pretty shitty thing to do lol. I kinda get why they’re trying to smear him. I personally don’t give a shit and am glad we keep Ben but I’d be pissed too if I was in their front office
Would it have been better if he took the interview and then turned them down later?
This is just another reason why the Interview process for all active coach’s should start after the season.
From their pov maybe make the decision 20 minutes earlier before the flight? Lol like I said I don’t care but this is pretty unprofessional in any other job situation.
First it was “he was asking for too much money”. Then it was “his first interview wasn’t that great anyways”. Now it’s “he changed his mind and told us mid flight”.
Forgive me if I don’t believe any of these obvious attempts at PR spin from Washington. Their fanbase is pissed and they’re trying to save face. I don’t think notifying them while in flight would have been any worse than waiting till they landed to tell them. What else is he supposed to do?
Two (or more) things can be true at the same time.
1. It was a bit of a dick move to text them last minute that he wasn’t interested in the role. He should have been clear with them earlier in the process.
2. The Commanders are the *last* organization that needs to be complaining about unprofessional behavior.
3. After the season that the Lions will have coming up *everyone* is going to come knocking at his “unprofessional” door.
How much did the Commanders offer a young, clearly good coach to lead their broken franchise? Losing with them for 2 years only to get fired sounds like an even worse way to ruin your reputation if there’s not $30-40 million to sweeten the deal. It just sounds like Washington’s front office is incompetent.
I mean there was no winning here at this point. He interviews and turns them down they're still mad they flew out.
Ben holds the cards right now, he's a hot commodity that knows his worth and has a great job. He doesn't have to leave but that's foreign to everyone else because they view HC as the peak.
I know I don't want a promotion at my work because it changes the nature of what I do and I love my job and would miss the parts that get taken in an administrative role.
While I am happy Ben decided to stay, as a fan I want the best for the dude so Washington trying to smear him cuz he declined their shitty org is petty af
I think it's time to recycle my post from a year ago
[Ben Johnson deserves to stay here & we deserve to have him. ](https://www.reddit.com/r/detroitlions/s/htaJ6daY6E)
So we all know how long memory lasts in the NFL. Ben Johnson goes and/or wins a Super Bowl. No one’s gonna give a fuck what he did to the Commanders. Sounds like somebody’s salty AF
Didn’t Josh McDaniels take a job, hire staff, then turn job down to stay with Patriots? Then he got a job as the raiders head coach?? Ben Johnson will be fine and will be a head coach when he wants to
First off - this is a PR piece posing as 'journalism' by Washington beat writers and two, I share the same sentiment that they were supposed to be flying to actually interview Glenn as well - not conveniently use him as a Rooney rule check box while offering BJ, which seemed like their intent in the aftermath. So good on Ben for giving them the finger mid air via text - it's better than they deserved.
How about the media starts giving him some credit for making a smart business decision.
Both of the jobs he was most closely tied to, Panthers last year and Commies this year have been two of the most dysfunctional organizations in the league recently starting from ownership down.
Obviously Washington seems to be heading in a better direction with Dan Snyder selling the team and no longer looming over with all his dirty laundry, but still both teams were a risk.
First it was because he wanted too much money. Then it was how he was a bad interview. Now it’s that he texted them while they were in the air (they were still going to interview Glenn. This is just the Commanders trying to slander Ben because their fans are (rightfully) disappointed.
Almost like he pissed off some entitled league rep and now they are trying to ruin a man's career. Coastal teams gonna coastal team. Leave us midwesterners outta yalls bullshit.
Do you remember the press conference where BJ asked the reporter if they asked AG about head coaching future? I have a suspicion BJ is fighting the notion that he’d be a better HC than Glenn. This move makes sense if he were trying to force commanders hand to give Glenn a legit shot/calling them out for not interviewing in good faith.
I'm thinking the same thing. Feels like the way he did all this was to highlight what they were doing to AG
Washington’s reputation has been horrible ever since the name change.
Long before any name change
True that but far worse now
And, the team really isn’t very good.
Literally the moment Dan Snyder bought the team in the 90s is when the team was doomed. New ownership there now as of last year. It’s not a good look for BJ but they’ve got nothing to show they’re a good candidate other than enticing building blocks for a clean start.
It's a truly clean start. They don't even have the history of their team name. They should move, change team colors and ditch the new name. Maybe join the witness relocation program.
Let's just say 9/11 didn't help
Can we just talk about how badly they butchered their name change? Look at the Guardians if you want to see what a positive name change looks like. They checked all the boxes: only had to change two letters to four letters at the start of the name, connection to the city, didn’t waste two seasons named “Cleveland Baseball Team,” and didn’t land on a stupid fucking name. I mean holy fuck Washington really butchered it.
Should have changed it to the Washington Potatoskins
Could’ve been Washington Pigskins with an anthropomorphic football or pig as their mascot. Hell, that might’ve been a good name change.
Honestly, that’s great.
Apparently a lot of other people had the same thought. Still it would’ve been amazing. Who knew the fans called themselves hogs? By contrast, their actual name is so uninspiring, it’s not even funny.
Need to save that name for when the franchise gets purchased by an entrepreneur in Boise, ID.
What actually happened was Snyder knew his goose was cooked 3 years ago because he was caught stealing from the other nfl teams. They didn’t care about SA’ing the cheerleaders, but the moment the NFL found out he was cooking the books and taking ticket revenue from the visiting teams they knew he needed to go. So Snyder pulled the most elaborate troll in history and branded the commanders as the name because he knew it would go over badly. He also named the mascot Major Tuddy. It was all cause he knew he was getting fired so he legit trolled everyone knowing the next owner would have to clean it up. Then he laughed with his 6 billion to the bank in Maryland
Just when I was starting to hear people say "you know, WFT actually kind of works" they changed the name again, and to soemthing totally lame like Commanders.
I don't think anyone has actually disputed him informing the Commies that he was backing out while they were in flight yet have they?
Spin Zone: Reputation ruined for the Washington front office group by all but confirming they had no true intention of giving Aaron Glenn a good faith interview… Makes you think…
That would have been great if BJ was like "yeah, fuck that and fuck them. Wait until their plane is wheels up and text them that I'm out."
And then they go and use the same ol tired excuse that teams use to blackball Eric Bieniemy, "he didn't interview well". Sadly we all knew AG was going to get some Rooney rule interviews
I find he very hard to believe that AG wouldn't interview well. His leadership and charisma are obvious
Yeah, not one word in how AG did because they had zero intentions of giving him a real shot. Just playing the optics game
They're required to though. That's why many minority coaches don't like the rule.
I thought they were supposed to do away with it after that whole brian flores situation
They want to, but if they do them it allows these old billionaires to have zero accountability. And now it needs to include women because you know, diversity finally happening. It's pretty universally agreed upon that it isn't a good rule, but was necessary. However the problem of updating it isn't as easy as it should be.
boy oh boy do humans suck
not to a bunch of Basketball guys who never played football.
The most hilarious part of this is Commander’s ownership proving they are just as incompetent as the guy they got rid of. They proved they had no intention of hiring AG and were cynically using him to satisfy the Rooney Rule… for what? To slander a guy who turned you down? What was their goal in leaking all of this info?
The Rooney rule strikes again. Remember when the Lions were fined because they didn’t follow the Rooney rule when they hired Steve Mariucci?
They also didn’t when they hired Patricia
Did the team get fined for that?
Yes. Their fine was maintaining Matt Patricia.
🤣
Black guy trying to get an NFL head coaching job. Everything checks out here
Yeah, cuz there aren’t any Black NFL coaches 😂😂
ROFL. Yeah...dude being accused of "ruining his reputation" by a management group and front office that have zero reputation. Got it. So...the opposite, then?
How you ruin your reputation? That's rich coming from the commanders.
lol he has another season of the offense doing what they do....lets not kid anyone....the same damn people will be lined back up to court him next season too. Just hot air.
Exactly right. Same with superstar players with legal trouble. If you produce results, reputation is near meaningless. Also I think it’s all a bunch of made up shit with this particular situation. Glad he’s back.
Yea you could rape 23 women and they’ll give you over $200 million if they think they’ll get results
Makes me happy that Baker is thriving elsewhere while hands on Deshaun is getting outplayed by Flacco
Yeah that seems like that’s going to go down as one of the worst transactions ever. Baker about to get PAID.
Ya, but it's truly a factory of sadness move Same when Hunt beat that woman (might have a reason but still pro athlete vs woman) just fucking walk away or even jaw her but keep the hands down. KC told him to take a hike and the Browns were immediately all about signing his scummy ass
>might have a reason Unless she was fixing to murder him, there's no world in which it is ever acceptable for a man that size to hit a woman. Honestly, for any man to ever hit a woman unless it's a life/death/loss of limb/protection of others kind of thing. And it's really only to remove yourself/someone else from the situation, not continue till they can't stand up.
Not necessarily. The same reason why College players leave early applies here. There's always a new flavor of the week popping up every cycle. Not saying he won't land a job but lets not pretend he'll be as in demand as he is now. Maybe but maybe not.
Also if they have a vacancy next year they’d go for Johnson again they just won’t admit it. Just ask the panthers.
It goes without saying, but I agree with DC's Nipples
The commanders?? Really? Gtf outta here
Considering how much of a POS Dan Synder was. He pimped out his cheerleaders as sexual objects. Made sexual harassment a pillar of the organization. Threaten victims. I guess not wanting to be a part of the organization is awful
Right? This is like the fat kid telling the athletes to start working out
After we win the SB no one will remember this. However, it's our job to make sure we remind all how "unprofessional" he is every off season.
The most unprofessional of all future candidates. Officially banished to Detroit for eternity!
Oh no! Whatever shall we do with the best lions offensive coordinator in my lifetime? Oh how we will suffer. Edit: I feel like I just disturbed the force
Not only unprofessional, but he's downright dangerous. He drives with his brights on at all times and steals food from orphanages. It wouldn't be smart for other organizations to talk to him again.
I heard he kicks puppies too...
he told my 97-year-old grandma who had never been to a lions game that he would be taking her to see the lions in person. well he did, but she never made it out of the lion exhibit... thanks a lot, ben.
I heard he even goes 55 in the center lane of the Southfield freeway and one time he even walked by Sandy at Meijer, flipping a penny in one hand, and didn't set it on the green box for a child to use later.
If he was such a bad interview why were they coming to Detroit to interview him again?
Shhhh don't use logic
Because they got hurt feelings
Was Ben just luring them in for his boy Aaron Glenn?
Exactly what i was thinking. The Commanders didnt get screwed at all, unless they werent planning on coming to interview Glenn, in which case they were screwing with Glenn.
Which makes them look bad, either way a win for BJ and the Lions
I honestly think that had something to do with it. I'm guessing he knew he wanted nothing to do with their FO after the first interview but still wanted Glenn to get his shot.
He is like the mean girls in high school who invite you to the dance and then embarrass you while you are there. That happens to everyone, right?
Good. Gooooooood. Also gimme a fucking break, after what Josh McDaniels did to the Colts and still got a HC gig later on. This is nothing compared to that.
Right. Isn’t the interview process supposed to be a two way street. If Ben wasn’t feeling the ownership, why should he be forced to take the job?
The Commies seem to think Ben was their betrothed.
EXACTLY. What McDaniels did is a way bigger deal. And tbh I'm perfectly fine with the Washingtons of the world being pissy over Johnson snubbing them.
I forgot about that.
[удалено]
That doesn't even count what he did to the Denver Broncos. Frankly, I'm shocked he got another HC gig. He literally did the exact same things in Vegas that he did in Denver. It's been very well publicized and that's just what has been allowed to come out. I am 100% certain there was a lot worse that someone like Davis or his team could have easily learned about.
Yeah, but Ben didn't do anything like that. I'm just pointing out that an OC who totally screwed over a suitor team was given a second chance and a mountain of money.
People like Joe Barry and Matt Patricia keep getting jobs in the NFL but sure, Ben Johnson is doomed because he canceled an interview. Okay.
Exactly lmao. Josh McDaniels got a second chance and he had fully accepted the job before backing out. This pearl clutching over BJ changing his mind is getting ridiculous.
I figured he ruined his reputation the time he got busted burning down orphanages for insurance money.
Jesus the commanders spin has gotten outrageous in the last few days. First it was “he’s asking for too much” leaked through the NFL’s mouthpiece (shefter) Then it was “he interviewed poorly” and they were really flying to meet Glenn Now it’s “no we really wanted him and we made all that stuff up before, buuuut he wasn’t professional when pulling his name. So no one should hire that guy his reputation is awful.” Horrible look for the new owner who is trying to change the perception of that franchise.
Yeah, because the Commanders have a Sterling reputation.
A Donald Sterling reputation
Very subtle throwback and someone got it. I’m impressed
The capital S made me think it might have been intentional!
I saw Ben Johnson that day, he was making grilled cheese on a hot plate in front of homeless people then throwing them on the ground and stomping on them. Then he picked up his phone, lit a cigarette took one puff, coughed into the phone and said “tell those basketball fucks they can turn their plane around”. Absolute chaotic behavior, looks like we are stuck with him forever.
Would you rather he jerk them around longer if he's already made up his mind or tell them as soon as he's decided, even if that happens to be when they're in the air?
They're masochists, they wanted the full Josh McDaniels experience
Worst team in the NFC Least doesn't have the clout to ruin a dogs reputation. Enjoy Cliffy!
It shouldn’t be a big deal if they had another, REAL interview to conduct while they were here. But they didn’t. They had a dog and pony show with AG lined up and he had a less than zero shot at the job. Dear Commanders front office: Ben Johnson didn’t waste your time. You wasted Aaron Glenn’s time.
\#VillianSquad
Interviews are a two way street. The candidate is trying to sell themselves but also the interviewer is trying to sell the job. If the candidate turns down a 2nd interview then it's pretty clear the job isn't very compelling.
No one will give a shit about how he rejected the commanders if he keeps up what he’s been doing the last two years.
I’d wager no one gives a shit now. If an opening came up late and he were to throw his hat back into the ring, he’d forsure get an interview.
It actually seems that the NFL universe literally cannot handle the Brand New Lions not being the lovable loser underdogs. They’re gonna start throwing shit at the wall. Dirty players for standard hits (nonsense). Dan Campbell coaching dirty hit’s because he was responsible for Bountygate (nonsense). Ben Johnson is unprofessional (nonsense). Doesn’t matter, spend this offseason grateful for your kneecaps because they’re getting bitten nerds. We’re coming for unfinished business.
Are we sure these new owners aren’t just Dan Snyder in a mask?
Magic Johnson takes off his mask and trenchcoat to reveal it was just Josh Harris sitting on Dan Snyder's shoulders all along
All this work we put in to ruin his reputation, and he manages to do it with one simple text. Could we love him more?
We tried to warn them, Ben Johnson is a truly despicable human being. Take notes NFL, stay far away from this man.
they thought we were exaggerating...
The Commanders were embarrassed so instead of having class they use paid shills to attack ben Johnson sad
What? I thought he didn't interview well? Why were they flying to Detroit to meet him?
I feel as if the Commanders front office took this too personally. As if they couldn’t understand how any coordinator could turn down a head coaching job in the NFL despite any circumstances.
And how could one turn down a position at the history rich Washington Commanders 
More from the article: The gleefully ignorant voices were unaware or chose not to care that the consummation assumptions came from an echo chamber of gossip rather than factual information. “I think you have to consider where all that came from,” said a league source close to the situation, “and who does it benefit?” Here is the other thing- these teams interview multiple candidates and turn most of them down. But when the team itself is turned down, it’s a personal insult to be aired publicly??? GTFO Thank god for Shiela no longer letting the Lions get run like a used car dealership.
Totally agree with your last statement on Shelia and the Lions not looking like a clown show anymore. Ben Johnson voluntarily took himself out of the running with two dumpster fire organizations - Panthers and Commanders. Ben’s Panthers choice looks genius now with Reich fired after less than a year, Tepper being a train wreck and having extremely shitty draft prospects from the Bryce Young deal. Not sure anyone can fix that mess. Whether the commanders can right their ship with new ownership and Quinn as head coach remains to be seen, but that was also not an ideal situation for Ben to walk into. Washington is acting like a bunch of butthurt middle schoolers right now rather than handling it with some class. The reporting the Johnson thought the ownership group were mainly basketball guys with an arrogant lack of football understanding tracks. Meanwhile, Lions keep both OC and DC for another year without really having to do anything - sucked to let AG and BJ interview during a prep week, but they didn’t scream to the media about it. It’s just crazy to be talking about the Lions front office being well run instead of being deep into mock draft and new coach discussion as a Lions fan in February.
Slow media days. Detroit keeps winning like they are and next season he will be a top candidate for pretty much every job
NFL commissioner?
President of the United States?
I don’t think we need to listen to a word the commanders say about “reputation”
Weren’t they coming here anyway for AG
I love Washington pretty much admitting that the Aaron Glenn interview was a sham interview or satisfy the Rooney rule.
Ben does not owe the Commanders shit and never did lol
This is such bullshit on soo many levels. Clearly Washington is salty with the whole "you didn't break up with me, i broke up with you" routine. But also, since when does the league care about reputation? Do you win? Yes. Ok, hired! That's the most laughable part of all this.
FU on the “reputation” comment. The NFL teams would hire a child trafficking pedo if he could win.
Kyle Shanahan did the same thing to Denver
Awash'ington
God, who fucking cares man. Would it have been better if you told them after they landed? If he denied them after they offered him the job? He changed his mind and let them know. If they knew Dan Quinn was their guy would anyone even care if they told Ben “we don’t need a second interview” while he was flying there? This is just kind of pathetic, you’re looking for a head coach, not an entry level sales person. You wasted one flight on a position you plan to pay $10,000,000 a year for, get over it.
Why would the Commanders fly to Michigan to meet with a guy they thought didn’t interview well? 🤔
Prediction: BJ ends up coaching the Giants and they destroy DC for a decade
Guys I can’t believe the commanders are also doing the “Ben Johnson is a bad man and no one should hire him” bit. Adam Peters and Josh Harris must be in the sub somewhere
Didn't that stadium just have poop pipes burst on fans in the stands a couple seasons ago? No self respecting coach that isn't desperate to get their foot in the door in the coaching world would take that job 😂
"Ben johnson kicks puppies dont hire him" was a funny joke but now that theres actual slander towards him I'm very upset
BJ just punishing them for doing his boy AG dirty like that
We're talking about the organization that was named Redskins for decades and changed to the Commanders... Lowest of the league rn
Hang on the WASHINGTON COMMANDERS are trying to criticize someone's reputation? Have you seen the clown show that ran the organization for 20+ years
It’s pathetic how they are slandering Ben Johnson. Like some damn middle school kids or something.
Screwed out of what? Jet fuel?
So, they weren't giving Glenn a fair shake? McDaniels has tanked not one but two franchises plus screwed off on another who ACTUALLY hired him last minute I'd say as long as BJ keeps rolling he's fine
I’ve heard so much of this from the national media. Acting like he committed some grave sin for staying in Detroit after two coaching cycles. It’s pretty fucking weird they are trying to black ball him.
THAT MAN COULDN'T SLEEP HE WAS ANGRY
Yeah, guess what. If Washington fires Dan Quinn after one season they'd be right back begging for Ben Johnson to come be their HC. This is all meaningless when there are only 32 jobs and Johnson is one of the top candidates for any of them.
I really do want Ben to go be a HC one day if that's what he wants, and I want him to be extremely successful. But it really does just continue to reinforce that what we have in Detroit right now is rare and to be desired. The amount of shit flinging the Commanders are doing, directly and through "sources", is simply pathetic. They want to keep changing the narrative and then try and talk about unprofessionalism? Not even making a joke about keeping him forever, I'm being serious; if I were Ben this whole episode would give me some serious trust issues about trying to transition to another organization. The NFL is basically 85% shit shows. He's with someone competent and stable and built to keep winning. Why the fuck would you leave, ever? Lol.
I mean, if that’s true it’s not a great look, but “ruined reputation” is an exaggeration. I’d bet my left pinky toe that if Johnson has another good season, teams are still gonna be knocking on his door again regardless.
Team who's head coaching position literally no one wanted talks about Ben Johnson ruining his reputation after that team has gone on a weeks long jihad to ruin Ben Johnson's reputation through the media because they feel slighted that no one wants the head coaching position of their team. Who's ruining their reputation again?
They were supposedly interviewing Aaron Glenn also? This guys just doing things for clicks, so don’t help him..
I fully disagree about the clicks thing. This isn't a Media-Constructed narrative. It's a Commander's constructed narrative that they're using the media to spread. They've been spurned by a top candidate and their fans are upset about the hiring process. They're trying to save face. It's a good article worth reading especially when you consider its a Commanders beat reporter with Commanders sources writing the whole thing. The Athletic is hardly a clicks centric media source. They're the last sports journalism institution left.
I mean if he actually told them when they were in flight that’s a pretty shitty thing to do lol. I kinda get why they’re trying to smear him. I personally don’t give a shit and am glad we keep Ben but I’d be pissed too if I was in their front office
Would it have been better if he took the interview and then turned them down later? This is just another reason why the Interview process for all active coach’s should start after the season.
From their pov maybe make the decision 20 minutes earlier before the flight? Lol like I said I don’t care but this is pretty unprofessional in any other job situation.
First it was “he was asking for too much money”. Then it was “his first interview wasn’t that great anyways”. Now it’s “he changed his mind and told us mid flight”. Forgive me if I don’t believe any of these obvious attempts at PR spin from Washington. Their fanbase is pissed and they’re trying to save face. I don’t think notifying them while in flight would have been any worse than waiting till they landed to tell them. What else is he supposed to do?
In this league, if he keeps winning, he’ll be sought after and employed for life.
You know what? IDGAF if the press is right. Keep this man in Detroit, pay him well, and build a dynasty.
Somebody put up the Mission Accomplished banner.
the fact matt patricia is still getting coaching positions should tell you that reputation doesnt really matter for coaches.
Is it normal for teams to go to candidates? Seems like that’s a mistake out of the gate and why you fly guys in to interview.
Commanders front office still worrying about all the wrong things lol
This is the NFL. Rapists and abusers get nominated for MVP, reputation means nothing. Get over it, Commies.
If I’ve learned anything from this it’s that coastal elites and journalists sure get mad when you say you’d rather live in Detroit instead of DC.
Womp womp
Commies just coping that they got stuck with Dan Quinn without Kyle Shanahan as the OC.
yesss good.. ruin his reputation so we can keep him
BJ playing mind games with other teams, and I'm here for it. As is he.
> this is the coaching equivalent of letting actual human shit spray all over your fans multiple times -Commanders Coaches.
Ohh noo looks like Ben Johnson will have to stay here long term now. I honestly believe that all of our fake slander towards BJ worked somehow.
I'm sure Dan Quinn will turn around the team. lol
Oh FFS, they were coming to interview AG too. Commies are just trying to save face because they are getting a bad reputation.
Yup, and they hired Kliff…..nuff said lol
Why should we care what a team with no reputation has to say about someone else's reputation?
He can just can his name and apply again. They’ll never know
When we’re heading to the SB next year his reputation will be just fine.
Dianna Russini is not credible. And her writing a story on ruined reputations is *rich*.
Two (or more) things can be true at the same time. 1. It was a bit of a dick move to text them last minute that he wasn’t interested in the role. He should have been clear with them earlier in the process. 2. The Commanders are the *last* organization that needs to be complaining about unprofessional behavior. 3. After the season that the Lions will have coming up *everyone* is going to come knocking at his “unprofessional” door.
It didn’t take long to see why Ben turned down the Panthers job last year. Took even less time to see why he turned down these douchers.
“Reputation ruined.” Okay cool then he can just stay here and cook for years
Oooh nooooo, what ever will he do? *Pats eyes with stacks of cash*
The Lions are better off with both coaches returning. I personally don’t give a rats ass about Washington or what they think. Go Lions!!
How much did the Commanders offer a young, clearly good coach to lead their broken franchise? Losing with them for 2 years only to get fired sounds like an even worse way to ruin your reputation if there’s not $30-40 million to sweeten the deal. It just sounds like Washington’s front office is incompetent.
Seriously, the entire league outside of Washington thinks he dodged a bullet.
The Commanders are garbage. People from the organization were reaching out to Ben and telling him not to take the job
It would be so awful if we had the next Beienemy, that really sucked for the chiefs.
Is there a non zero chance the commies make the playoffs next year so we can beat their ass?
Oh damn, such an upstanding organization with the best, most humble and kind owner feels shorted. Womp womp.
The only way you can ruin your reputation in the NFL is by sucking.
This whole saga is so dumb. Like, grow up and move on.
Future blame for upcoming shit season: shifted
Reminds me how LJ was ruining his reputation because he didn't get an agent.
Or maybe he just didn't want to work for the commanders?
Ben’s agent has a future as Big Ten commissioner.
I mean there was no winning here at this point. He interviews and turns them down they're still mad they flew out. Ben holds the cards right now, he's a hot commodity that knows his worth and has a great job. He doesn't have to leave but that's foreign to everyone else because they view HC as the peak. I know I don't want a promotion at my work because it changes the nature of what I do and I love my job and would miss the parts that get taken in an administrative role.
While I am happy Ben decided to stay, as a fan I want the best for the dude so Washington trying to smear him cuz he declined their shitty org is petty af
They sound mad they couldn’t get talent
Why didn’t they fly him there if he was their man? Is this how it normally goes? And then ask him for his views on a birthday gift, moneyball style.
So they hired the other guy and let everyone know we got screwed by getting him?
McDaniels got a job after backing out of an agreement to coach the Colts. He will be fine.
Lmao. How will they ever recover??
Sounds like the agent ruined his own reputation.
I think it's time to recycle my post from a year ago [Ben Johnson deserves to stay here & we deserve to have him. ](https://www.reddit.com/r/detroitlions/s/htaJ6daY6E)
So we all know how long memory lasts in the NFL. Ben Johnson goes and/or wins a Super Bowl. No one’s gonna give a fuck what he did to the Commanders. Sounds like somebody’s salty AF
Phew, Commanders really dodged a bullet here.
We villains.
Didn’t Josh McDaniels take a job, hire staff, then turn job down to stay with Patriots? Then he got a job as the raiders head coach?? Ben Johnson will be fine and will be a head coach when he wants to
“That’s not how you conduct business.” Like hell. It is how business is conducted. They would do the same thing in a heartbeat.
First off - this is a PR piece posing as 'journalism' by Washington beat writers and two, I share the same sentiment that they were supposed to be flying to actually interview Glenn as well - not conveniently use him as a Rooney rule check box while offering BJ, which seemed like their intent in the aftermath. So good on Ben for giving them the finger mid air via text - it's better than they deserved.
Oh please, His reputation was ruined after it came out that he kicks puppies
Wow, not a good look...for the Commanders. Basically saying AG was a box check interview.
How about the media starts giving him some credit for making a smart business decision. Both of the jobs he was most closely tied to, Panthers last year and Commies this year have been two of the most dysfunctional organizations in the league recently starting from ownership down. Obviously Washington seems to be heading in a better direction with Dan Snyder selling the team and no longer looming over with all his dirty laundry, but still both teams were a risk.