Nobody is calling for Dan Quinn's job, which is a testament to the esteem in which he is held by his players and everyone associated with the Washington Commanders. However, a respected NFL insider highlighted the significance of what lies ahead for the head coach.
It's been one disaster after another for the Commanders this season. Quinn had to navigate extreme turbulence, with numerous injuries to key personnel putting him on the back foot almost immediately. Washington has won just four games after reaching the NFC Championship. Significant changes are needed, and the moves made will likely determine where this once-sleeping giant goes from here.
All eyes will be on general manager Adam Peters regarding recruitment. Fans are also expecting Quinn to make coaching changes, which will likely begin with the firing of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who was demoted from play-calling duties earlier this season.
Commanders' changes are coming, but head coach Dan Quinn is safe (for now)
Jeremy Fowler from ESPN believes Quinn will have the conviction to do what is necessary. Whether that involves retaining control of the defense is debatable. Still, the insider made no secret of his view that his third campaign is critical if the same losing trend continues.
"Injuries and a lack of pass rush personnel have contributed, but coach Dan Quinn faces a critical third season in Washington and appears poised to make changes. Quinn has been calling the defense; whether he continues to do so will depend on an offseason review."Jeremy Fowler
Quinn earned enough good graces last season to get the benefit of the doubt. He never lost the locker room, either, which is a massive positive amid the almost constant misery. These factors are more than enough to give him a reprieve, but the urgency has increased, and the margin for error has narrowed.
The Commanders need to rethink everything. They need to get younger and more dynamic almost everywhere. They need to consolidate. They need to build with the long term in mind while also developing the strategy to make immediate improvements. After all, next season will be quarterback Jayden Daniels' third year of his rookie deal, and he will be extension-eligible in 2027.
There is no doubt that Quinn was the right man to lead this ambitious project. The drop-off this season was as drastic as Washington's rise to prominence in 2024. But that hasn't changed the way fans and players perceive their head coach.
Not yet, anyway.
The importance of what comes next for Quinn cannot be overstated. Hopefully, this lost season will be an anomaly rather than the start of anything more concerning.