CoJo Denies Milan Benching was a “Panic decision” after Social Media Scrutiny
Fnatic Valorant Team Director Colin ‘CoJo’ Johnson has responded to social media criticism regarding the organization’s decision to part ways with head coach Milan ‘Milan’ de Meij. Contradicting suggestions from the community, CoJo denied that the benching was a “panic decision” driven by knee-jerk reactions.
De Meij had compiled an impressive record with Fnatic, leading the team to victory in EMEA Stage 1 and reaching three international Grand Finals in 2025. His departure came as a surprise given these recent accomplishments.
The decision faced immediate scrutiny from prominent figures in the Valorant esports community. Canadian caster Shayan ‘ShyoWager’ Shehrya and VCT EMEA analyst Tom ‘Tombizz’ Bissmire questioned the timing of the move, with Tombizz characterizing it as “a rash decision.” The backlash focused partly on unexplained circumstances surrounding the coaching change.
CoJo’s public response suggests Fnatic has faced enough external pressure to warrant clarification. The team’s leadership appears committed to defending the decision as calculated rather than reactionary, though full strategic details remain incomplete.