Dan Quinn was the toast of the town after his first season with the Washington Commanders. Just one year later, it's a very different picture.
Quinn was never going to be fired despite the Commanders achieving just five wins when a deep postseason run was expected. He guided the franchise to the NFC Championship game in Year 1, and the head coach never lost the locker room throughout some trying times. Couple this with the constant stream of injury problems, and it's not hard to see why he got the benefit of the doubt.
However, parting ways with both coordinators was a clear sign of pressure building. Quinn wasn't going to wait around with his own job outlook coming under the microscope. This sentiment was echoed by one NFL insider, who added his name to the list of those who believe seats could be getting warmer in Washington.
NFL insider lays out the blunt truth for Commanders head coach Dan Quinn
Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports named Quinn among the head coaches who enter 2026 on the hot seat. He acknowledged the mitigating circumstances surrounding the team's failures in 2025, but the excuses won't wash if quarterback Jayden Daniels doesn't bounce back and the defense shows no signs of life.
"It feels unfair to put him on this list, given the sheer volume of injuries that ruined the Commanders' 2025 season — especially the one to quarterback Jayden Daniels. [Dan] Quinn, after all, is still the coach who led Washington to the NFC Championship Game in his first year with the club (2024). But he also just purged his staff. How Daniels responds to a new OC will be crucial to Quinn’s future. Also important: how the Commanders fix a defense that has been terrible during his two-year tenure."Ralph Vacchiano
Quinn's experienced enough to know that the stakes have been raised. He's at least taken the measures needed to bring about change. Whether it comes off or not hasn't been determined, but he deserves credit for not waiting to see how things play out.
General manager Adam Peters must also do his part by improving the roster. There is still alignment in the building, which is to be expected. Everyone has the team's best interests at heart, and everyone knows what must be done to get things back on track.
The Commanders have talent. They now have fresh ideas on board, too. If the necessary upgrades can be found, and everyone buys into the new way of thinking, there is a good chance things can turn around quickly.
Anything less, and Quinn could outstay his welcome, putting an end to his NFL head coaching career for good.