The article also stated that Brentford manager Martin Allen was interviewed for the position but not offered the job.
Both Johnson and Allen were the preferred candidates for many Lions fans and the news that neither will be coming to The Den will leave them wondering just who will replace Dennis Wise.
With pre-season only a month away, the need to appoint a new coach is becoming ever more urgent but having sold Paul Ifill and Darren Ward in recent weeks, the position is now being viewed by some as a "poisoned chalice", with Ladbrokes making Millwall third favourites for the drop.