Dan Quinn is perceived to be under pressure heading into the 2026 season. But the Washington Commanders head coach also has an advantage heading into training camp that could matter quickly.
Urgency.
Quinn never lost the locker room, but he's already made it clear that last season's failures will not become the staple under his leadership. The messages were subtle from the outside looking in, but given the way his players have responded, they've had the desired effect.
The Commanders felt like Quinn's experience could play a leading role in taking this franchise where it wants to go. It propelled Washington to the lofty heights of the NFC Championship game in Year 1 of his tenure, but it will be needed even more now.
Dan Quinn has already put the Commanders' new urgency to good use
This isn't the first time Quinn has had to overcome adversity throughout his accomplished coaching career. He experienced the same with the Atlanta Falcons, but he couldn't turn things around. Lessons were taken on board, with a focus on avoiding delays in the tough decisions needed to inject new life into the organization.
General manager Adam Peters did his part, revamping the roster with more youth and long-term potential. Quinn's switched offensive and defensive coordinators while also increasing the tempo exponentially over Washington's offseason program. And the atmosphere has surged as a result.
There were no days off. Every rep, every practice session, and every meeting was maximized. The urgency was evident, and everyone bought in. Fans should have expected nothing less, especially given the esteem in which Quinn is still held by his players.
Expect this trend to continue throughout training camp. In fact, it'll only increase.
Roster competition is higher than ever. Veterans are looking to right the wrong, and the new additions are looking to carve out roles for themselves. Energy is in plentiful supply, and although the Commanders' fortunes this season are still hanging in the balance, there is now real hope the tide can be turned.
If it doesn't work out, Quinn might not get a third season in Washington. He'll know that deep down, and so will his players. But at least he has tried with everything he has to get this ambitious project back on the right path to prosperity.
And if the same application, attitude, and intensity are evident over the summer, the Commanders should be much more competitive when the real action begins.
Belief has never wavered in Quinn. That is the one positive he could take from a 2025 campaign that promised a Super Bowl challenge and delivered nothing but five wins and a lot of questions.
Now, the page has been turned, and Quinn is already capitalizing on the high stakes to get this proud football franchise up off the canvas.
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