Commanders deep dive: Assessing the new coaching staff under Dan Quinn
By Jonathan Eig
Larry Izzo - Commanders ST coordinator
- Previous job: Special teams coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
- Replacing: Nate Kaczor
Larry Izzo was a star special teams player for Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots before beginning his career as a special teams coach in 2011. He worked his way up from assistant to coordinator during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Green flag: Since taking over in Seattle, Izzo’s squads have never been ranked lower than No. 6 in Rick Gosselin’s composite rankings. They finished in the top three between 2020 and 2022. This is something that could help the Washington Commanders under Dan Quinn.
Red flag: Izzo was fired by new Seahawks coach Mike MacDonald and replaced by a coach with virtually no NFL experience.
Anthony Lynn - Commanders run game coordinator
- Previous job: Assistant head coach and running backs coach, San Francisco 49ers
- Replacing: Juan Castillo (coordinator) and Randy Jordan (running backs)
Anthony Lynn replaces the longest-tenured coach on the Commanders' staff. He is a former head coach who has a career-winning record in the NFL. He coached Christian McCaffrey over the last two seasons but also got good production out of Elijah Mitchell.
Green flag: Lynn is a very solid football man with extensive experience as a player and a coach. He is the one of two coaches Adam Peters brought from the San Francisco 49ers.
Red flag: I can't think of one.
Jason Simmons - Commanders pass game coordinator (defense)
- Previous job: Defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, Las Vegas Raiders
Jason Simmons played 10 seasons in the NFL, mostly as a backup safety. He coached for the better part of the 2010s under Joe Whitt Jr. with the Green Bay Packers and has served as passing game coordinator for the past three campaigns.
Green flag: At every stop he has made along his career path, Simmons’ units have improved their performance.
Red flag: See Anthony Lynn above.