It's a new era of football for the Washington Commanders, and it's an exciting time for a fan base eager to start winning games. The once-proud franchise has struggled in recent seasons, reaching the playoffs just five times in the 2000s. With Dan Quinn taking over, there is hope and expectation that they will figure it out and start putting a better product in the field.
Quinn joins the Commanders after serving as defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. In a statement to managers, he thanked Jerry Jones, Mike McCarthy and other Cowboys officials for their time with the team.
“I want to thank Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, coach Mike McCarthy and the entire Dallas Cowboys organization for the past three seasons. Everyone, the players, the coaching staff, and the entire organization have become family in a short period of time. We have big challenges ahead of us, but our ownership group, Adam and I, are working in lockstep to achieve our goal of continuing to make the Super Bowl every year.”
As for his time in Dallas, the feeling should be mutual. Quinn anchored one of the best defensive teams in football during his time in school, allowing just 20.2 points per game this season, which ranked ninth in the NFL. Under Coach Quinn, the Cowboys ranked fifth in scoring, seventh in yards, and led the league in turnovers in his three seasons.
Dan Quinn is excited to coach the commanders.
Quinn, 53, has held multiple NFL positions and made his NFL coaching debut with the San Francisco 49ers in 2001. Quinn spent most of his career in the NFL, but also has some college experience, most recently with the Florida Gators from 2011-2012.
He also had the opportunity to become a head coach as he managed the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2020. This is his second opportunity as a head coach, and in his statement he expressed how happy he is for this opportunity.
“I am excited for the opportunity to be the next head coach of such a storied franchise and fan base,” Quinn said. “Under the leadership of Josh Harris, the ownership group, and Adam Peters, we can't wait to help usher in a new era of Washington Commanders football. This organization has a great vision. We are honored to be able to participate in the following activities.”
What Dan Quinn brought from the Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys' playoff struggles are evident under Quinn, but he also brings intangibles to Dallas that he wouldn't have learned under other circumstances.
Despite their struggles, the Cowboys were one of the best-run organizations in football and were widely regarded as a tough, solid defensive team, led by Dan Quinn. If he can bring that same toughness to the Washington Commanders, it would be a dramatic change for a defense that ranked last in points allowed per game.
He has some work to do when it comes to players and other personnel, but if he can replicate what he did with the Cowboys, managers should be in a better position.
