When he became the Washington Commanders’ head coach, Dan Quinn stated that he planned to learn from previous mistakes. Everything looked rosy during a campaign for the ages in 2024. But when things unraveled in Year 2, the respected figure wasn’t going to wait around.
And one team insider believes there could be a big reason why.
Quinn parted ways with both coordinators. Joe Whitt Jr.’s departure seemed inevitable from a long way out. Kliff Kingsbury’s was more surprising, stemming from a reported disconnect behind the scenes and a disagreement over how the offense should move forward. The Commanders need complete cohesion, and the play-caller was free to take his chances elsewhere.
Commanders’ changes point to mounting pressure on Dan Quinn entering 2026
The action was swift and decisive. John Keim of ESPN revealed, citing sources, that people around the league are convinced that Quinn will not get a third head-coaching gig if he fails in Washington. The team insider believes that this played a leading role in the coach taking such drastic measures to get things back on track.
“The speed with which [Dan] Quinn moved on [Kliff] Kingsbury was noteworthy to some. The feeling among multiple team and league sources is that if Quinn doesn’t succeed in Washington, he will likely not get a third chance as a head coach. So, waiting until it’s too late to make a move was not an option. Quinn has said as much himself: When he was Atlanta’s head coach, he once said he felt he didn’t make some moves soon enough. He didn’t want to wait in Washington.”
John Keim
That’s a valid statement. Head coaches don’t tend to get third chances, especially the older ones. Quinn has plenty of juice left, and he’s held in the highest regard across the NFL. But the game is changing, and teams are always looking for new up-and-comers unless someone like John Harbaugh becomes available.
Quinn doesn’t fall into either category. He also wants to go out on his own sword if that becomes his fate. He thought waiting too long when alterations were needed became his undoing with the Atlanta Falcons. When there was no longer alignment with Kingsbury, that situation could only end one way.
And Quinn cut the cord.
There is enormous pressure on Quinn in 2026. The Commanders must bounce back. They must respond positively to adversity and turn this ambitious project around. They must not waste another year of quarterback Jayden Daniels’ rookie contract. Nothing else will do.
If lightning strikes twice, it’ll be over for Quinn in Washington. And possibly for good regarding his head-coaching aspirations.
