NFL Rumors: Latest Reports Heading into 2023 Divisional Round

Eight teams are preparing to play in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs this weekend. As for the other 24 franchises—including the six that were eliminated during the Wild Card Round this past weekend—the offseason has arrived.

There's been plenty of buzz surrounding quite a few non-postseason teams, especially those that have vacancies on their staffs. Searches for general managers, head coaches and assistants have all been taking place in recent weeks.

Here's a look at some of the latest buzz from around the league.

Johnson Planning to Return to Lions for 2023 Season

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Detroit Lions senior offensive assistant John Morton, left, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watch during an NFL football practice in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, May 26, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Over the weekend, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was the front-runner in the Carolina Panthers' search for a new head coach. However, it appears that isn't going to happen, and by Johnson's choice.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Johnson informed interested teams that he will be returning to Detroit for the 2023 season. The 36-year-old will remain the top offensive assistant under Lions head coach Dan Campbell.

Johnson was scheduled to interview with Carolina on Wednesday, per Pelissero, but he "feels Detroit is building something special and wants to see it through." Pelissero believes Johnson will be a "hot" name in head-coaching searches again next offseason.

Although Johnson just completed his first season as the Lions' OC, he's spent four years with the team, having previously served as an offensive quality control coach (2019) and the tight ends coach (2020-21). Prior to that, he worked in various roles as an offensive assistant for the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2018.

If the Panthers were planning on extending an offer to Johnson to become their next head coach, then it appears they will now have to pivot in a different direction.

Reich in Running for Another Head-Coaching Job?

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

Frank Reich became a head coach in the NFL for the first time in 2018, when he was hired to lead the Indianapolis Colts. He remained in that role until this past November, when he was fired following the Colts' 3-5-1 start.

But it's possible that Reich could land another job as a head coach ahead of the 2023 season. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the 61-year-old Reich interviewed for the Arizona Cardinals' opening on Tuesday.

The Cardinals hired former Tennessee Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort to be their new general manager on Monday. Now, Arizona's focus has turned to finding a head coach. The team has also requested to interview Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, per Pelissero.

If Reich doesn't land the Cardinals job (or one of the other head-coach openings), he could end up signing with a team as an offensive coordinator. He's previously served as the OC for the Chargers (2014-15) and Eagles (2016-17).

Shurmur Among Candidates to Become Commanders OC?

AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 17: Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur stands on the field before the first quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, October 17, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The Washington Commanders are trying to find a new offensive coordinator to serve under head coach Ron Rivera after the team parted ways with Scott Turner after the end of the 2022 regular season. And it appears the Commanders are ramping up that search.

On Tuesday, Washington interviewed former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. Shurmur didn't coach in 2022, after spending two seasons as the Broncos' OC from 2020-21. The 57-year-old is a former NFL head coach, having previously led the Cleveland Browns (2011-12) and the New York Giants (2018-19).

The Commanders have also requested to interview Miami Dolphins quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Darrell Bevell (according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports) and Atlanta Falcons QBs coach Charles London, per Jhabvala. While London has never been an OC, Bevell previously served in that role with the Minnesota Vikings (2006 to 2010), Seattle Seahawks (2011 to 2017), Detroit Lions (2019-20) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2021).

Although Washington has some talented players on offense, it's uncertain who the team's starting quarterback will be in 2023. With Carson Wentz likely to be released and Taylor Heinicke hitting free agency, the only QB on the Commanders' roster will be Sam Howell, who played one game in his 2022 rookie season.