The Washington Commanders introduced new head coach Dan Quinn on Monday, and he spoke to the media, answering questions for nearly an hour. While winning the presser is often easy in these situations, it was an excellent first impression from Quinn.
After a fairly quick but thorough process that led Washington to Adam Peters in its general manager search, the coaching search took more time. The Commanders interviewed eight candidates and wanted to wait until after the NFL’s championship games for a second interview with each candidate.
There were twists and turns regarding Washington’s pursuit of Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but the Commanders ultimately tabbed Quinn as their next head coach.
Before Quinn was chosen as Washington’s head coach, we looked at why fans weren’t excited — right or wrong. Now that fans have heard from Quinn and watched him make his first two staff hires, how are Washington fans feeling now?
We find six reasons why Commanders’ fans should be excited about Quinn.
Adam Peters
For years, Washington fans have wanted the traditional setup of a GM who makes all the major football decisions. No owner-centric model, not a coach-centric model and no phony titles, but a real general manager.
Not only do the Commanders have a real GM in Adam Peters, but they landed the most-wanted candidate who was not already a general manager. Some consider Peters the best talent evaluator in football, and he had a significant hand in building the 49ers’ Super Bowl roster.
While the head coaching decision wasn’t Peters’ decision alone, he had significant input. He would need to have a rapport with the incoming coach. He found that rapport with Quinn. Two football-obsessed guys with one goal in mind: Winning.
If Peters and owner Josh Harris determined Quinn was the best pick, that should be good enough for fans. Fans must get over their Snyder PTSD. It’s understandable — and real — but relax and trust Peters.
The coaching staff
We have yet to see Quinn’s full coaching staff, but his coordinator hires were impressive. Forget Kliff Kingsbury’s stint as a head coach with the Cardinals; the record-setting former college quarterback knows football and quarterbacks. Many believe he is perfectly suited to be an NFL OC, as he can focus solely on a young quarterback and one side of the ball.
Joe Whitt Jr. is Quinn’s defensive coordinator. Sure, this is Whitt’s first coordinator job, but his work in Dallas, Cleveland, Green Bay and Atlanta is impressive. He was Quinn’s right-hand man in Dallas and responsible for many of Dallas’ coverage concepts over the past three seasons. Additionally, Quinn will work with Whitt on the defense.
More coaching hires will be announced soon, but one of the most impressive things about Quinn is how respected he is across the NFL. He will find no shortage of coaches who want to work with him. Kyle Shanahan was the latest to praise Quinn.
Quinn is a fixer
Whether it’s the University of Florida, the Seattle Seahawks, the Atlanta Falcons, or the Cowboys, Quinn’s defenses immediately improve once he arrives. Did you see Washington’s defense last season? Horrendous is an understatement. Quinn, Whitt, and the remainder of their staff have their work cut out for them. However, some of the silly coverage breakdowns we’d see far too often under Jack Del Rio will not happen under Quinn. Well, they may happen, but it won’t happen multiple times in every game.
If there is one thing you can count on, Washington’s defense will be better in 2024.
Quinn's commitment to fix past mistakes
One of the worst words to describe a second-time head coach is “retread.” Bill Belichick was a retread. How did that work out? Mike Shanahan? Jim Harbaugh? These are also coaches who went on to different jobs, and in Harbaugh’s case, this year. There are plenty of “retread” coaches. Some work out, and some do not, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get another opportunity.
Quinn deserved another chance. One of the more impressive things we’ve heard about Quinn was how he hired an outside firm to investigate why things went south in Atlanta. And that was a part of his presentation when he interviewed for head coaching jobs. That’s hunger and self-awareness. Quinn has a chip on his shoulder. That’s a good thing. Washington needs to play with a chip on its shoulder.
The perfect leader
It was said that Ron Rivera was the right coach at the right time for the Commanders. That was true. While Rivera failed to get results on the field, he navigated some difficult waters during his four seasons as head coach, but it was clear after three seasons that it was time for a change.
Now, Quinn comes to Washington at a perfect time. He starts fresh with a new owner, a new GM, and, likely, a new quarterback. Washington’s current players need strong leadership. Listen to every player who has played under Quinn and they rave about him as a person and leader. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen has already acknowledged he’s fired up for 2024.
When you listen to Quinn speak, you can see why his players would run through a brick wall for him. Quinn will use the outside noise that he wasn’t Washington’s top pick as motivation. Washington fans are accustomed to their favorite team being mocked. This should be a perfect marriage. Sure, there will be a honeymoon period, and Quinn needs to win, but it shouldn’t take long before he has the majority of the fan base on his side.
He wants to be here
This is the most important thing. Look, Quinn has had chances to take other jobs in each of the last two years. He wisely waited, continued building his resume, and sought a job he felt was perfect for him. Sure, every coach will say this is the job they wanted, and every team will say this is the coach they wanted, but in this case, that appears genuine. Regardless of the outside perception, the Commanders held Quinn in high regard throughout their search process.
Quinn explained why this job was the one for him. You could see it. You could feel it. He believes he’s the guy for Washington. That should excite fans. He isn’t here to just collect a check and go through the motions. He got the job he was waiting for.
