Daronte Jones and the Defensive Staffing Thread

[DWinzit]

I guess my question wasn't 'Why would he interview with any team?' - it was 'Why would he interview with Washington?'.

Perhaps its Flores interviewing to impress the people in the room for future HC vacancies...

 

[Boone]

Could be. I guess what I'm pushing back against is the idea that guys do interviews knowing they do not want the job they are interviewing for. I just don't think that's a thing.

 

[skinsinparadise]

so likely no Ulbrich now. Seems like Schwartz isn't on this team;s radar yet. Maybe because of the interviews for the Browns HC job. We need these HC quests to move faster.

 

[KDawg]

Could be. I guess what I'm pushing back against is the idea that guys do interviews knowing they do not want the job they are interviewing for. I just don't think that's a thing.

I think Flores might.

He is fighting against an unspoken owner pact due to the lawsuit, I think. So by getting in the room with people he doesn't see daily and exposing himself to people he doesn't know, he can absolutely increase his stock.

I also think he's willing to hear everyone out and explore his options. But he knows he has a safety net at the moment, and that is Minnesota. So while he COULD take a different DC job, someone would need to back the Brinks up or absolutely blow him away with their plan.

I think he is after HC positions and using the DC interviews as a HC interview for pending upcoming vacancies.

I can't find a comprehensive list but it looks like this is where he has interviewed:

Pittsburgh - Head Coach
Baltimore - Head Coach
Jets - Head Coach
Washington - DC (But with a HC on a potential hot seat)
Minnesota - Default, HC not on any hot seats at the moment

We know he is interested in moving on from Minnesota in some capacity, but it looks to me like he is setting up his chance to be a HC with these interviews. The only team that has interviewed him or had him last season that doesn't have a potential HC vacancy upcoming is Minnesota.

Everyone else does.

And that is exactly why I don't think Quinn would hire him even IF he was interested.

And, if he'd come here with the promise of being the next HC should something happen to Quinn... I don't want him, either.

We need an offensive HC for the next hire.

 

[DWinzit]

so likely no Ulbrich now. Seems like Schwartz isn't on this team;s radar yet. Maybe because of the interviews for the Browns HC job. We need these HC quests to move faster.

That would be an incredible one-two defensive coach punch

 

[skinsinparadise]

Sheehan thinks there is a fighting chance for Flores based on some Minny insider he knows who said he heard there is some developing tension with Flores and some in Minny.

He's a great D coordintor and arguably the best. Wonder though how he'd flow with the "brotherhood theme". By reputation he's a major A-hole. I follow the Dolphins some and one of their major reporters said he treated a lot of people including himself like dirt. A yeller and very abrasive by nature. lol, the defense can use a heavy hand like that. But wonder if Quinn would dig a personality so different than him?

Also I heard Galdi reference an artlcle that dove into why McDonald choose Seattle over Washington and it said a big part was Seattle offered more money. So if its lets say between this team and Minny and Dallas for Flores, is Washington going to be the highest bidder?

 

[Boone]

We have a former member here who's wife was a friend with McDonald's wife. The short version of what he said was that McDonald was 100% headed to DC but felt slighted because he wasn't Washington's first choice and when Harris and company were 'slow rolling' him while Seattle was clearly hot to trot and ready to make the deal, he jumped to them.

I think it's hard to argue that Quinn was their first or even second choice. Had we gone after McDonald a lot more aggressively instead of dragging it out and insisting on a lengthy committee-style interview process, he'd very likely be in DC right now. Instead, Seattle outmanuevered us and we ended up with our 3rd choice in Quinn. I don't think it was a matter of our being outbid - he never gave us a chance to counter Seattle's offer. They made him a Godfather offer that he couldn't refuse - which is what Harris and Peters should've done.

I think that's an accurate description of what went down.

 

[skinsinparadise]

We have a former member here who's wife was a friend with McDonald's wife. The short version of what he said was that McDonald was 100% headed to DC but felt slighted because he wasn't Washington's first choice and when Harris and company were 'slow rolling' him while Seattle was clearly hot to trot and ready to make the deal, he jumped to them.

I think it's hard to argue that Quinn was their first or even second choice. Had we gone after McDonald a lot more aggressively instead of dragging it out and insisting on a lengthy committee-style interview process, he'd very likely be in DC right now. Instead, Seattle outmanuevered us and we ended up with our 3rd choice in Quinn.

I think that's an accurate description of what went down.

I can see that. Also seems like other variables sweetened the pot.

How the Commanders landed on Dan Quinn following an ‘outrageous’ head-coaching search

Whether Quinn was the team's first, second or third choice, he just might be the right one for Washington.

www.nytimes.com

Once Johnson was out of the running, the Commanders thought they were going to get Macdonald until the Seahawks swooped in with more money, league sources told The Athletic.

...The Commanders reconsidered their remaining paths, headlined by Quinn, 53, and Macdonald, 36. Though both coordinators were in play for the Seahawks, Macdonald was the one winging across the country for a Wednesday meeting in Seattle. He signed a contract before the day ended.

Washington more than checked in before Macdonald committed, league sources confirmed. ESPN and NBC Sports also reported late contact by Washington to Macdonald.

Another indicator: The typical term length for head coach contracts is four to five years. Macdonald agreed to a six-year deal. Leverage is helpful. Also in Seattle’s favor: more defensive talent, a quicker path back to contention and modern practice and game day facilities.

 

[Boone]

I think, based on our member's 'insider info' (which I think was 100% legit coming from the person closest to MacDonald), the decision was driven mostly by personal feelings about which team really wanted him. The other stuff may have factored in, but it was 'being wanted' by Seattle who put their money where their mouth was, that sealed the deal.

 

[DWinzit]

I think, based on our member's 'insider info' (which I think was 100% legit coming from the person closest to MacDonald), the decision was driven mostly by personal feelings about which team really wanted him. The other stuff may have factored in, but it was 'being wanted' by Seattle who put their money where their mouth was, that sealed the deal.

All things lead to you thinking they should be ready to pull the trigger on the guy they like the best right away.

They can't however offer a DC a big long term contract because it would trump DQs contract.

I can't see DQ(or AP) liking Flores abrasive ways

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

I think, based on our member's 'insider info' (which I think was 100% legit coming from the person closest to MacDonald), the decision was driven mostly by personal feelings about which team really wanted him. The other stuff may have factored in, but it was 'being wanted' by Seattle who put their money where their mouth was, that sealed the deal.

Wow, that totally goes with the timeline.
Day 1: WAS interview Mac; goes well
Day 2: wide report of mac fly to sea, was fly to det, ben johnson snub
Smaller reporting of was offer mac, mac interview with sea, sea big offer very fast

In his interviews afterwards, mac made a mention: sea just seemed to move faster, seemed like they decided faster.

He didn’t specify the exact reasoning but when you look at the timeline you can see where the WAS problem was. They clearly telegraphed BJ as number one. When Sea made a big offer fast, done deal.

Very interesting that WAs was his original #1 which we can guess. In laws are lifelong Skins fans and wife former Redskins cheerleader. Big miss in my opinion.

 

[Boone]

Yes they could. Quinn's contract can always be renegotiated - that's a non-issue. And I have no idea about Flores personality or what Quinn can or can't live with.

 

[Boone]

Wow, that totally goes with the timeline.
Day 1: WAS interview Mac; goes well
Day 2: wide report of mac fly to sea, was fly to det, ben johnson snub
Smaller reporting of was offer mac, mac interview with sea, sea big offer very fast

In his interviews afterwards, mac made a mention: sea just seemed to move faster, seemed like they decided faster.

He didn’t specify the exact reasoning but when you look at the timeline you can see where the WAS problem was. They clearly telegraphed BJ as number one. When Sea made a big offer fast, done deal.

Very interesting that WAs was his original #1 which we can guess. In laws are lifelong Skins fans and wife former Redskins cheerleader. Big miss in my opinion.

The wife wanted Washington per our insider because they were already in the DMV and wouldn't have to uproot. This is the kind of factor that fans hardly ever consider.

 

[burgold]

I was definitely pulling for MacDonald after we realized BJ wasn't going to happen. I wanted that high potential first time coach. Quinn was the lowest candidate on my list not because I had anything against him, but because after Shannahan and Rivera, I was tired of retreads.

I'm pulling for Quinn. He's one of us, I like him and think he can get it done, I'm willing to suspend disbelief and proclaim that 2025 was unsalvageable because of the injuries, bad luck, and because making it to the NFCCG in 2024 meant Whitt got a pass. I'll even forgive the philosophical gaffe that thought that ignoring the pass rush and recruiting bigger guys would solve their run defense woes and that the pass rush would take care of itself. I can reconcile all of that because I want to be wrong. I want to enjoy football.

That said, Quinn wasn't my first, second, or third choice and because of RGIII PTSD Daniels wasn't my second choice after Maye.

 

[Riggo44]

I think it's hard to argue that Quinn was their first or even second choice

Keim said through the process that Quinn was a lot higher than people realized, so it's very likely he was that high.

 

[RWJ]

Sheehan thinks there is a fighting chance for Flores based on some Minny insider he knows who said he heard there is some developing tension with Flores and some in Minny.

He's a great D coordintor and arguably the best. Wonder though how he'd flow with the "brotherhood theme". By reputation he's a major A-hole. I follow the Dolphins some and one of their major reporters said he treated a lot of people including himself like dirt. A yeller and very abrasive by nature. lol, the defense can use a heavy hand like that. But wonder if Quinn would dig a personality so different than him?

Also I heard Galdi reference an artlcle that dove into why McDonald choose Seattle over Washington and it said a big part was Seattle offered more money. So if its lets say between this team and Minny and Dallas for Flores, is Washington going to be the highest bidder?

Don't like to hear that about McDonald as he was my dude after the Ben Johnson fiasco took place.

 

[Riggo44]

Remember Keim repeatedly downplayed the team's interest in Johnson--saying he wasn't the shoo-in everyone thought he was as well. Also don't forget, we also had interest in Raheem Morris. Quinn was 3rd on my list behind Johnson and MacDonald. I was mildly disappointed when he was hired, but last year changed my mind. I am giving him a bit of a pass on this year, I also believe he'll bounce back next year.

These are the areas Keim shines. When he says stuff like this, I believe it almost unequivocally.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Keim said through the process that Quinn was a lot higher than people realized, so it's very likely he was that high.

True. I got the sense from the jump it was close between those 3 and perhaps Raheem was the runner up. But I sensed they were high on Quinn from the jump.

Arugably all three coaches made out well. MacDonald has one of the best GMs in the NFL building up that team. While Poles has been skewered some from going with Caleb over Jayden, he's done a much job giving Johnson weapons to run a high level offense than what Peters did here so far.

But Peters does have Quinn's back. And I agree I think they both likely bounce back this season.

I was listening to a Minny insider on a Galdi podcast just now and he sold me even further on Flores. He made the point that because Flores' backgroud was first in scouting he has a great eye for procuring talent, too. He thinks its 50-50 he bolts Minny.

Be really interesting to listen to Keim tomorrow, it gives him enough time to get some intel on the Gannon and Flores interviews.

 

[Commander Wraith]

Firstly, I don’t believe Blough is Quinn’s choice at all. Who did we interview that had a realistic chance of getting this job? No one. Why would that be? Why would Quinn believe going from Kliff to Blough helps Quinn keep Quinn’s job? Who is less invested in Quinn’s job security? Adam Peters. Who did Schultz point the finger at in his report? Adam Peters. Yes, I am on record as suggesting Blough is more Peters/Newmark than Quinn. That’s the only thing that makes Blough actually make sense.

If memory serves, besides in-house interviews with Raih and Johnson, we were looking at Terrell from the Cards, Wells from the Cowboys, the Ravens qb coach and the guy that got promoted to OC in Carolina. I’m not sure how you’re defining “realistic” though.
Peters making the call on Quinn’s OC (after telling the media it was Quinn’s prerogative) is not a good look, and potentially detrimental to his hiring a HC in the future. Doesn’t make it impossible, just not likely IMO.
Why Blough? As was reported, Quinn was afraid of losing a gifted young guy already on his staff - ie a repeat of his Atlanta days. Blough has a relationship with Daniels, knows the staff and personnel, as Kliff said - probably “knows the offense better than I do”.
Was there a rift between Kliff and Peters? I have no idea. We do know about a disconnect between Quinn/Kliff in terms of the emphasis on the ground game, and we do know that Kliff called a lot of qb runs (which was problematic). And we know that one of Quinn’s takeaways after Atlanta was not being so slow to make changes.

Funny Ive see interviews with Ben Johnson making the rounds telling us all at a Bears press conference that Blough will be a HC one day. Why is that suddenly important now? I wonder.

Because Blough is now our OC and reporters are digging up what they can?

Secondly, entrusting Quinn to not fail at hiring coordinators again after just telling the whole world he failed in both cases within the same season is foolish. Patience for patience sake isn’t good management.

We were historically bad this year, injuries or not. Idc what he did or we did as a team in 2024. The coordinators both were a part of 2024. Was 2025 solely all their fault? Give me a break.

Solely their fault? No, of course not. Neither was a lack of wrs, but I don’t expect us to roll with the same group of receivers just because it wasn’t solely their fault…

This regime hasn’t developed Jayden beyond what he was as a senior in college football.

This is interesting. What makes you think this?

They hid his deficiencies in a system the whole NFL had no real experience defending. Coddling him because he “doesn’t like something” hasn’t done him nor the organization any favors. Promoting a bunch of cheap 30 year old coaches with next to no or no experience isn’t going to help develop him. It’s all a farce.

1. Kliff ran this system (albeit with differences) in Arizona with Murray, so can’t say I agree with your first point.
2. Maybe Daniels was “coddled”, but I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard coaches/qbs talk about ditching certain plays the qb isn’t as comfortable with.
3. Who are the “bunch of cheap 30 year old coaches”? Blough is obviously inexperienced (and that’s an understatement, lol). Is there someone else I’m forgetting?

Bringing in borderline elite/ to elite DCs to interview, ALL WHILE KEIM KEEPS TELLING US SOLELY ABOUT MORRIS AND ULBRICH, just to to end up with a milquetoast DC is preposterous. How many times in our past have we seen this same movie before with coordinators OR HC hires? I’m legitimately dismayed with how this thing is being run rn.

I’m happy to be wrong about the eventual results, but this entire process has just sucked.

I sort of agree with this. Of course, I think part of the issue is 1. Legit DC candidates are few and far between, most of them are also looking at HC options or will be retained, and there are a lot of vacancies. 2. I think the “lame duck” status of Quinn makes our situation less desirable. We had to move on from Whitt though, so it is what it is. At least Quinn’s a defensive coach, so hopefully that helps (if we wind up w/ a less experienced DC, which doesn’t look likely).
I’d prefer a young up-and-comer to Morris, but at least Morris and Quinn have a connection/understanding. I get the sense Morris connects well with players and maybe is a good teacher? I’m not positive on that front. Maybe I’m just looking for an upside there, haha.

Overall, I hope you’re wrong about Peters and his involvement, because that wouldn’t give me the warm and fuzzies about his tenure (and he’s almost certainly gonna be here a while).

I’m not trying to disregard your overall angst btw, it’s a concerning situation all around, especially considering where we are with Jayden and the hopes we have for him (and the team). On the bright side, if it does turn into a dumpster fire, hopefully we can reset next year.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Peters making the call on Quinn’s OC (after telling the media it was Quinn’s prerogative) is not a good look, and potentially detrimental to his hiring a HC in the future. Doesn’t make it impossible, just not likely IMO.

Why bank on Jordan Schultz over Keim, Sheehan, let alone assuming Peters is lying, too? Schultz isn't Schefter. He's the same dude who did Terry's agent bidding last summer.

I can't even remember the last time Keim made a point repeatedly and emphatically and ended up dead wrong.