SEATTLE — One of the top candidates for the Seahawks' head coaching vacancy has taken his name out of the running.
Ben Johnson has informed both the Seahawks and Washington Commanders, who also were interviewing him for their open head coach role, that he plans to return to his position as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator in 2024, NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reported citing league sources Tuesday morning.
The Seahawks held a second interview with Johnson on Monday evening in Detroit, according to The News Tribune's Gregg Bell citing league sources. Johnson's Lions were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday after losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
Johnson also had been a reported target of the Commanders, but at 37 years old, elected to take his name of the race for this year's head coaching cycle. ESPN's Adam Schefter did report Tuesday that Johnson's "asking price spooked some teams."
With Johnson out of the hunt, two candidates appear to be alone as the most likely choices: Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Macdonald became a hot commodity among NFL teams with coaching vacancies after an impressive two-year run as the Ravens' defensive coordinator. Baltimore allowed the fewest points per game (16.5) during the 2023 season and the third-fewest in 2022 (18.5).
Quinn has been connected to the Seahawks since Pete Carroll's departure, given his previous connections to the franchise and strong track record as a defensive coach. He met with the Seahawks in person on Jan. 25 for a second interview, ESPN previously reported citing sources.
With no more interviews scheduled after Macdonald, expect the Seahawks to decide on the next head coach sometime in the next 48 hours.
