Head coach Dan Quinn led the Washington Commanders on a miraculous run to the NFC Championship game in his first season at the helm. But this is a what have you done for me lately league.
The Commanders' 2025 campaign was a disaster of epic proportions. That turns up the heat on everyone, none more so than Quinn. A massive effort is needed to turn the tide. Otherwise, the consequences will be severe.
Quinn probably knows it. He experienced this scenario with the Atlanta Falcons, which is also why he wasn't going to wait to make changes this offseason. Washington's bounce-back potential is high, but any further failures won't be well-received.
Commanders need Dan Quinn to deliver, or they might find someone who can
This sentiment was echoed by ESPN insider Adam Schefter during an appearance on The Team 980, who didn't believe Quinn would survive in Washington if they went through similar struggles in 2026.
"Every season is important for a coach coming off a losing year — that's not a newsflash. If you don't win, and you have a poor season like Washington did, there are not many coaches who get to endure back-to-back seasons, poor seasons, and live to tell about it. It's just not how the league operates."
This is a fair assessment of the pressure Quinn is under entering the season. General manager Adam Peters is doing his part by upgrading the playing personnel. He's added 13 new faces to the mix. More are coming via the draft, undrafted free agency, and the remaining veteran pool. After that, it's down to the head coach and his staff to mold this roster into a competitive force.
This notion won't be lost on Quinn. He's been around long enough to know what comes next if he cannot turn this ship around. The Commanders have talent. They also have big ambitions, with a new stadium under construction and their reputation restored across the NFL. That counts for almost nothing if they cannot put out a winning product on the field.
Quinn holds the key. As in 2024, he'll get all the praise if things go well. Another disappointing season, and the Commanders will likely search for a new head coach to fulfill their objectives.
Amid all Washington's problems last season, Quinn never lost the locker room. He never lost the belief of Peters and owner Josh Harris. This counts for something, but what comes next cannot be overstated.
The Commanders have improved on paper. Now, it's on Quinn to turn these perceived enhancements into a potential playoff challenger.
Nothing else will do.