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Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn knows his job is on the line. One year after going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game, the Commanders fell to 5-12 in 2025. After the season, Quinn made multiple changes, mutually parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and firing defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.
Quinn acted fast in replacing Kingsbury, promoting 30-year-old assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Quinn believes Blough is a future star and truly believes he's ready. He also stayed in-house to replace Johnson, promoting assistant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton. The Commanders were high on Stapleton and his ability to develop some of the team's young offensive linemen over the last two years.
On Monday, Quinn found his new defensive coordinator, hiring Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator Daronte Jones.
Jones comes to Washington highly recommended, having interviewed with five teams since the season ended. The Commanders brought him in over the weekend and quickly hired him. He was one of nine candidates for Washington in its search for a defensive coordinator.
It's time to give Dan Quinn some credit. While he may not be fully on the hot seat, Quinn knows he must win in 2026. How many coaches in his position would take a significant risk on three huge hires? Blough and Jones have never called plays in the NFL, although Jones does have one year of coordinator experience at LSU. That means Quinn is trusting his future with these young coaches.
It would've been easy for Quinn to hire former Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin or former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, both experienced defensive play-callers. He could've waited things out for his good friend, Raheem Morris. Offensively, he could've gone for a longtime NFL offensive coordinator like Darrell Bevell. No, Quinn is taking a big swing.
It's a risk. He knows it's a risk. It also tells you how highly he thinks of Blough and Stapleton. It also tells you how much Jones impressed Quinn in his interview. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was in Ashburn recently to interview for Washington's defensive coordinator job. Who wants to bet much of that conversation was about Jones? Flores wasn't leaving Minnesota unless he received a head coaching job. So, he probably put in a good word for his top assistant.
Now, it's time for GM Adam Peters and ownership to spend some money. The Commanders don't have enough draft picks to fill all the team's holes. The next six weeks should be about identifying what Blough and Jones want and need for their respective schemes and targeting those types of players in free agency. No more signing multiple 32-year-olds to one-year deals and hoping for the best. While there is room for those types, you can't depend on them. That's what Washington did in 2025. It worked in 2024, but it was always doubtful to happen again.
Peters' job is not on the line, nor should it be. But this is a massive offseason for him. He needs to help his coaches by bringing in multiple quality starters in free agency. Peters needs to support franchise quarterback with more receiving weapons opposite Terry McLaurin.
Quinn has received plenty of criticism in recent months. Some warranted, some not so much. He's taking a chance on some impressive, up-and-coming coaches. He may hit a home run. He may strike out on three pitches. But, with his back against the wall, Quinn went with his gut.
As for the Jones' hiring, Quinn deserves credit for it, too. When teams talk about a thorough process, that's precisely what Washington did with Jones. Quinn took his time and allowed the candidate to win him over. That's how it should be done, rather than basing everything on previous relationships. Sometimes, those relationships can get you in trouble.
Kudos to Dan Quinn.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn deserves praise for hires
Continue reading...
Quinn acted fast in replacing Kingsbury, promoting 30-year-old assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Quinn believes Blough is a future star and truly believes he's ready. He also stayed in-house to replace Johnson, promoting assistant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton. The Commanders were high on Stapleton and his ability to develop some of the team's young offensive linemen over the last two years.
On Monday, Quinn found his new defensive coordinator, hiring Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator Daronte Jones.
Jones comes to Washington highly recommended, having interviewed with five teams since the season ended. The Commanders brought him in over the weekend and quickly hired him. He was one of nine candidates for Washington in its search for a defensive coordinator.
It's time to give Dan Quinn some credit. While he may not be fully on the hot seat, Quinn knows he must win in 2026. How many coaches in his position would take a significant risk on three huge hires? Blough and Jones have never called plays in the NFL, although Jones does have one year of coordinator experience at LSU. That means Quinn is trusting his future with these young coaches.
It would've been easy for Quinn to hire former Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin or former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, both experienced defensive play-callers. He could've waited things out for his good friend, Raheem Morris. Offensively, he could've gone for a longtime NFL offensive coordinator like Darrell Bevell. No, Quinn is taking a big swing.
It's a risk. He knows it's a risk. It also tells you how highly he thinks of Blough and Stapleton. It also tells you how much Jones impressed Quinn in his interview. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was in Ashburn recently to interview for Washington's defensive coordinator job. Who wants to bet much of that conversation was about Jones? Flores wasn't leaving Minnesota unless he received a head coaching job. So, he probably put in a good word for his top assistant.
Now, it's time for GM Adam Peters and ownership to spend some money. The Commanders don't have enough draft picks to fill all the team's holes. The next six weeks should be about identifying what Blough and Jones want and need for their respective schemes and targeting those types of players in free agency. No more signing multiple 32-year-olds to one-year deals and hoping for the best. While there is room for those types, you can't depend on them. That's what Washington did in 2025. It worked in 2024, but it was always doubtful to happen again.
Peters' job is not on the line, nor should it be. But this is a massive offseason for him. He needs to help his coaches by bringing in multiple quality starters in free agency. Peters needs to support franchise quarterback with more receiving weapons opposite Terry McLaurin.
Quinn has received plenty of criticism in recent months. Some warranted, some not so much. He's taking a chance on some impressive, up-and-coming coaches. He may hit a home run. He may strike out on three pitches. But, with his back against the wall, Quinn went with his gut.
As for the Jones' hiring, Quinn deserves credit for it, too. When teams talk about a thorough process, that's precisely what Washington did with Jones. Quinn took his time and allowed the candidate to win him over. That's how it should be done, rather than basing everything on previous relationships. Sometimes, those relationships can get you in trouble.
Kudos to Dan Quinn.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn deserves praise for hires
Continue reading...
