Dan Quinn is betting on youth to help the Washington Commanders' offense improve next season. Promoting three in-house coaches to bigger roles is a significant risk. Skepticism from fans and analysts was no doubt expected, but there is genuine conviction behind the moves heading into a pivotal offseason.
Kliff Kingsbury didn't agree with how Quinn wanted to take the offense forward, and he was let go. Bobby Johnson, who masterminded some outstanding growth from the offensive line, was also deemed surplus to requirements. There were no new faces, with David Blough, Darnell Stapleton, and Shane Toub having their respective responsibilities elevated instead.
It's a gamble of epic proportions. Fans are every right to be concerned, but a respected team insider praised Quinn for having the courage of his convictions in what many believe to be a do-or-die year for the head coach.
Commanders insider believes Dan Quinn is making some gutsy calls to improve the offense
JP Finlay from NBC Sports thought the offensive line coach promotions made sense, even though it's a bold decision from Quinn. And if it doesn't work out, the coach can at least walk away knowing he tried something new with younger, fresher minds.
"Commanders' O-Line was the best position group last season, so the promotions can make sense. DQ putting together a very young offensive staff in what’s likely a make-or-break year is certainly gutsy. Maybe he figures he’s out if it goes bad, so give new coaches a shot."JP Finlay
Quinn previously revealed that he wanted to learn from the mistakes that led to his firing by the Atlanta Falcons. He waited too long to make changes, losing some key coaches along the way. He didn't want history to repeat itself in Washington, especially considering there is a good chance he won't get another head-coaching job if this one falls by the wayside.
Considering how he's valued experience in the past, it's a shift from his typical approach. At the same time, things didn't go well last season. One can point to the injuries holding them back, but something felt off from pretty early on. That raises pressure across the board in Washington.
The Commanders have chosen continuity while also implementing different schematic concepts. That may be the best of both worlds, and fans will hope it provides the catalyst for brighter fortunes in 2026 and beyond.
There are many unknowns here. That's why there needs to be a sense of trust attached. But if the same problems continue, it won't be long before the fans' frustrations fall squarely on Quinn's shoulders.
Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. Because the long-term ramifications could be catastrophic.