JUST IN: The Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator that Washington Commanders hired was not confirmed because of…
Quinn, 53, coached the Atlanta Falcons for more than five seasons before spending the last three as the defensive coordinator for the NFC East rival Cowboys.
Two sources with knowledge of the decision say that Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, has an agreement with the Washington Commanders to be hired as coach.
Since the team had not yet made the transfer official, the individuals spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday under the condition of anonymity. The NFL franchise that hired a new head coach was Washington.
Quinn, 53, coached the Atlanta Falcons for more than five seasons before spending the last three as the defensive coordinator for the NFC East rival Cowboys. After leading the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016, Quinn was fired in 2020 following a 0–5 start.
Following the news on Tuesday that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a highly-regarded contender, would remain in Detroit, and the Seahawks’ hiring of Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald on Wednesday, he emerged as Washington’s pick.
In his second term as an NFL head coach, Quinn now has the opportunity to assemble his own staff, much like Peters has the power to select a new coach. Though it’s unlikely, Eric Bieniemy may return to his role as offensive coordinator. On the defensive end, Rivera let Jack Del Rio go halfway through the previous campaign, leaving that spot unfilled.
Quinn’s defence helped Dallas win the NFC East before falling short in the opening round of the playoffs, ranking fifth in the league in terms of yards and points allowed. After the Commanders finished 4-13, including two crushing losses to the Cowboys, he was given the team to inherit.
Washington does have the second choice in the draft, salary cap space of more over $80 million, and
After four disappointing years under Ron Rivera’s leadership, the organisation has a much-needed new strategy
under controlling owner Josh Harris, new general manager and head of football operations Adam Peters, and Quinn. This time, Harris was determined to divide the coaching and personnel responsibilities.
Like Peters has the authority to choose a new coach, Quinn, in his second stint as an NFL head coach, may now put together his own staff. Eric Bieniemy might take a shot at becoming the offensive coordinator again. Halfway through the previous season, Rivera let Jack Del Rio go, leaving the defensive position empty.
Quinn’s defence, which finished fifth in the league in terms of yards and points allowed, helped Dallas win the NFC East before losing in the first round of the playoffs. He was given the team to inherit after the Commanders went 4-13, including two heartbreaking losses to the Cowboys.
In the draft, Washington does have the second pick, with greater salary cap flexibility.
Quinn had previously been connected to the Seahawks, where he served as defensive coordinator under Pete Carroll in 2013 and 2014 before Atlanta gave him his first opportunity to lead a team. In the Super Bowl on February 5, 2017, the Falcons had a 28-3 lead before falling to the New England Patriots.
Quinn, a native of New Jersey, spent one year at Virginia Military Institute and five years at Hofstra before beginning his coaching career in 1994 as the defensive line coach at William & Mary. From 2001 to 2010, he served as a staff member for the San Francisco, New York Jets, and Seattle teams. After graduating from Florida University, he rejoined the Seahawks and contributed to their 2013 Super Bowl victory.
Quinn joins a team that has only won two postseason games in the previous thirty years and has not won a championship since 1992.
The biggest uncertainty is at quarterback, as usual in Washington. With Sam Howell tiring out after 17 games as the starter, Peters and Quinn must now make a significant choice at the most crucial position in football. Drake Maye of North Carolina may go to them with the No. 2 pick, or they might want to look into trade or free agency options.
