Dan Quinn was hoping the Washington Commanders would call him over their coaching vacancy. But not to seem too eager, he didn’t answer on the first ring.
Too bad there isn’t a game until September. Quinn came off ready to throw the first punch right now. He wants a team that’s “explosive . . . physical.”
Quinn flashed leadership during his Monday presser. No, oozed it. That’s what earned him the job.
The Commanders wanted new energy after predecessor Ron Rivera wore out over recent years. Quinn seemed ready to line up now after a near one-hour presser, where most past introductory ones were maybe half that.
Quinn gave the answers ownership wanted. He’ll let new coordinators Kliff Kingsbury (offense) and Joe Whitt (defense) call plays while he tries to merge the magic many call chemistry.
Quinn plans to rely on his interior defensive line and receivers as foundations, but the No. 2 overall selection and a fistful of picks in the top 100 will find several newcomers ready to blend into the lineup. Scouts will stay through the draft, which is customary. But, assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy will not after one season in Washington. That was expected, especially after Kingsbury was hired.
Mostly, this was Quinn’s day. He was alternately funny, reflective, wise and passionate. Basically, you’re getting a veteran coach who isn’t over the hill to mesh with a young first-time general manager and an owner only a half-year into his tenure.
So what if Quinn’s record as Atlanta’s head coach was just 46-44 over 2015-20? He reached one Super Bowl in his second season after an 8-8 mark in the first, so Quinn knows how to rise quickly. While no timetable was given on the Commanders’ expectation, Quinn knows urgency is a daily NFL mantra.
“I am ready to run and prove it,” he said.
Well, there’s plenty to do. Quinn wouldn’t use the word rebuild, but that’s what Washington is facing. Aside the interior defensive line of Daron Payne and Jon Allen and receivers led by Terry McLaurin, Washington can improve anywhere.
Certainly, new-hire Kingsbury sure has insight on prospective quarterback Caleb Williams, who played for Kingsbury at Southern Cal last season. Williams is expected to go in the first two picks and now Kingsbury has to convince or dissuade Quinn and general manager Adam Peters over whether to take the passer.
But there’s also a culture that needs rebuilding. Owner Josh Harris worked on that some last season, but Quinn knows the franchise’s history after beginning his coaching career at nearby William and Mary and Virginia Military Institute nearly 30 years ago. Washington fans are too exhausted from 30 mediocre years to be patient.
It’s not about being a tough guy. It’s about a smart, tough guy that takes a 360 vision to a team. That requires energy and experience. Quinn has both. While some fans wanted a younger first-time coach, there’s something to be said for Quinn’s saviness after plenty of ups and downs in the NFL since 2001.
Looking at Harris, Quinn and Peters on the stage, it definitely shows a new era has finally emerged from former owner Dan Snyder’s shadow. Whether it will be successful is always uncertain, but it won’t be for lack of effort.
