Dan Quinn has gone a little bit out of his comfort zone this offseason. He knew drastic measures were needed to help get the Washington Commanders back on track. And he took risks at both coordinator positions to give his team a fresher feel in keeping with the NFL's modern concepts.
The Commanders had to do something. Going with two play-callers with no league experience is risky, of course. But there is genuine conviction behind the decisions, and hopefully, general manager Adam Peters can put the correct personnel in place to hit the ground running.
This bears even greater significance on defense. Washington's unit was nothing short of putrid throughout the 2025 campaign. Daronte Jones will bring the passion, aggression, and creative scheme that should enhance the group. And make no mistake; it has to go well.
Dan Quinn's future could hinge on Commanders' defensive growth
Kristopher Knox of The Bleacher Report thought the Commanders' defense not progressing effectively is the team's worst-case scenario in 2026. And if this scenario became a reality, it could very well cost Quinn his job.
"Two years ago, the Washington Commanders made a surprising run to the NFC title game. This past season, their campaign was derailed by injuries and by a defense that simply couldn't find its way. Washington can only hope that it experiences better injury fortunes in 2026. Over the next few months, it absolutely must find ways to improve things on the defensive side of the ball. It will start with implementing the system of new coordinator Daronte Jones, who most recently served as Minnesota's defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator."Kristopher Knox
Quinn is a defensive-minded coach. Taking over play-calling duties from Joe Whitt Jr. last season brought almost no improvements. He was impressed enough by Jones' vision to let him run the defense as he sees fit, but it won't look favorably on the respected leader if significant strides aren't made.
There is a long way to go before that. Improving the playing personnel is the first objective. Getting everyone to buy into Jones' system and giving the group more vibrant exuberance should be enough for a competitive defense. There's a chance it all goes horribly wrong, but Quinn is doing what he believes is right to get things trending up on this side of the football.
Jones may be a rookie play-caller in the pros, but he's a vastly experienced coach. He's learned under some exceptional minds and spent the last two years as Brian Flores' right-hand man with the Minnesota Vikings. Becoming a coordinator was the next step in his trajectory, and the Commanders hope it will benefit them greatly next season and beyond.
Quinn is experienced enough to know what comes next if the Commanders don't show any signs of life. But either way, he cannot be faulted for going somewhat against the grain in pursuit of brighter fortunes.