Dan Quinn is under pressure. The Washington Commanders' grand plans to go deep into the playoffs once again became an unmitigated disaster. Mistakes were made, and parting ways with both coordinators was a clear sign that seats are getting warmer.
Just how much warmer this seat gets depends on how things go next time around. Quinn still has the locker room's full support. Reports of friction between the coach and general manager, Adam Peters, have subsided for now. However, there is a significant need to get the Commanders back on track throughout their third offseason together.
David Blough was promoted to replace Kliff Kingsbury. Quinn is taking a little longer to find the right defensive coordinator. Nobody is pressing the panic button just yet, but one team insider hinted that his shakier job status may be putting some candidates off from taking the plunge.
Dan Quinn's job status may be impacting Commanders' defensive coordinator search
John Keim of ESPN wondered just how long Quinn may last before the tipping point is reached if things don't progress enough next season. He thought that would play into the mind of any coordinator with more than one option.
"If you're a coordinator, and you have multiple choices, and you look at this situation. It's like, "Well, what is Dan Quinn's job security here?" I would not have thought a year ago that we would even be broaching this subject. But after this year, and you look around the league at how quickly some teams change, what if it doesn't go well next year? What constitutes a scenario that puts him on the hot seat? I think that plays into this whole situation as well, potentially, if you have choices."John Keim via The Team 980
John Keim thinks Dan Quinn's job security being in question after next season is playing a role in the Commanders' DC search pic.twitter.com/ZpRdKJGNW0
— The Team 980 (@team980) January 22, 2026
Quinn and Peters would try to put out the smoke if asked during interviews with prospective candidates, but NFL history is what it is. He got a pass for his sensational efforts in Year 1, which took Washington to the NFC Championship game. But if the same happens again, it's not hard to see what will happen next.
That's why getting the hire right is pivotal. Quinn reportedly wants a coordinator with experience as a play-caller. The trouble is, several other high-profile organizations with enhanced defensive personnel are looking for the same. The likes of Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur, for example, are much more stable in their respective spots.
Someone capable will accept the job. This is a big-time franchise with lofty ambitions. With the correct reinforcements and some fresh schematic ideas, the turnaround might be quick. Anything less, and the Commanders have a big problem.
Time will tell...