Dan Quinn has made a huge impact on the Commanders.
The Washington Commanders are riding a cloud of positivity right now. Their 5-2 start to the season has completely galvanized the fanbase and got everyone believing that anything is possible under the new regime. Other factors have contributed significantly, but head coach Dan Quinn's influence is right at the top.
Quinn wasn't everyone's first choice to succeed Ron Rivera. His defensive background coupled with how things ended with the Atlanta Falcons and coming from an NFC East rival left reasons for skepticism. That was not an opinion shared by majority partner Josh Harris and general manager Adam Peters, who always had him high on their shortlist and struck with conviction once Ben Johnson pulled out of the running.
Hiring Quinn was a masterstroke. His enthusiasm, ability to install the correct culture, build the team's camaraderie through molding personal relationships, and hold everyone to a higher standard have gone down a storm so far. The proof is not just in the results - it's also the complete atmosphere shift throughout this once-downtrodden basement dweller.
Zach Ertz lauds Commanders head coach Dan Quinn after superb start
The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator has won over even his harshest critics through seven weeks. Something special is happening in Washington and he's at the forefront. One only has to look at the comments made recently by veteran tight end Zach Ertz to see that the Commanders hired the right guy.
"Coach [Dan] Quinn is one of, if not the best, leaders I’ve ever been around. Just his ability to connect with each and every person on the roster to get the most out of them. He does it in a phenomenal way by just bringing a lot of energy, demanding that standards are upheld, and making those standards extremely clear. And if guys aren’t meeting the standards, he’s very consistent with his message that it’s not good enough and we have to be better………he wants the best for every person in this organization."
- Zach Ertz via USA Today
Ertz has been around the game for a long time. He's seen bad coaches and good ones. For him to be so complimentary about Quinn is a testament to his high character and the fine work he's done in such a short timeframe.
Everyone has bought in. Everyone is unified in pursuit of one common goal. There's the right blend of tough love and care across the coaching staff. Quinn also hired the right people underneath him to put his ambitious plans into action immediately with great success.
There is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead. Quinn knows this is just the start. He's meticulous in his preparation, is getting his roster to not buy into their hype, and avoids complacency at all costs. There will be times of struggle, but the future is incredibly bright.
If the Commanders' outstanding run continues, they'll be in the NFC East championship race and could make some noise in the postseason. It'll also make Quinn a hot candidate for NFL Head Coach of the Year in 2024.
That wouldn't be a bad immediate return on Washington's investment.
