Nobody expected the Washington Commanders to fall so hard during the 2025 season. Fans were dreaming of another deep playoff run and potentially lifting the Super Bowl. What followed quickly became an unmitigated disaster that only got worse as the campaign progressed.
Head coach Dan Quinn never lost the locker room, which is why his job wasn't in question. However, this failed campaign only underscores how much work remains for this ambitious franchise to get back on track.
There will be two new coordinators. A substantial overhaul on the playing side is also expected. Pressure is building, and the Commanders cannot afford this massive blip to become the start of something much more concerning.
A recent, brutal ranking shows just how far the Commanders have fallen in a short time.
FanSided rankings show how precarious the Commanders' situation is entering 2026
Nick Villano of FanSided ranked Washington No. 9 on his list of non-playoff teams capable of an immediate turnaround. The analyst thought this came down to quarterback Jayden Daniels. He also placed Quinn squarely on the hot seat, entering a crucial third season at the helm.
"The Washington Commanders are in an interesting place. It really comes down to Jayden Daniels. If Daniels can share this season off and have a successful, healthy career, then the Commanders can be contenders sooner rather than later. However, that’s not even close to a guarantee. There are also questions about the coaching. Dan Quinn lost both his offensive and defensive coordinators, which means he is going into the season on the hot seat."Nick Villano
This further highlights the precarious situation facing the Commanders this offseason.
There are a few pieces to build around, but this roster has to get younger and more explosive almost everywhere. They at least have Daniels, who proved during his rookie campaign that he's got the tools needed to be a star. Surrounding him with more is crucial, and David Blough's new scheme must reduce the risk of injury by any means necessary.
There's no doubt Washington can get this turned around quickly. Even so, fans are approaching the next few months with cautious optimism and skepticism.
It's a wait-and-see scenario. Faith hasn't been lost in the primary decision-makers, but that won't be the case for much longer if the desired improvements aren't made in 2026. That will put everyone on edge, and Quinn would probably be the next one to go if this scenario came to fruition.
The Commanders' 2024 season was a fairytale. Their 2025 campaign was a brutal reality check that brought everyone crashing back down to earth.
Now, the importance of what comes next cannot be overstated.