The HC Dan Quinn Discussion Thread

[skinsmarydu]

OK, gang...let's not get tempestuous, especially with each other.

Nobody knows anything yet. Everyone's head is full of a bunch of speculation, nothing is carved in stone.

We're all fans, and those of us here take it seriously...totally understandable, on both sides of almost every topic. Let's just keep it civil.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CapsCommies]

OK to clarify if I recall 8-9 he deserves to return? What's the worst he can do?

My point pertains to a losing season-non play off season. Teams with franchise QBs, rarely miss the playoffs let alone do it twice in a row. If they go 8-9 not only would I want Quinn gone but to me its slam dunk no brainer. And this is coming from someone who overall likes Quinn and defended him here hard for those who pushed for him to go now.

To me, the floor would be 8-9 and finishing better than we start (whether measured by stats or wins).

Quinn, who is very well-liked and respected in NFL coaching circles, would have the following narrative:

2024: I took over a dumpster fire organization and both rebuilt a culture for the program and brought together a roster that was almost entirely turned over led by a rookie QB and took them to the NFC Championship game..

2025: I got minimal roster support from the GM, my team caught the injury bug including my QB, and I had a down year.

2026: I rebuilt my staff, oversaw teaching new systems on both sides of the ball, and won 50% more games than the previous season while trending up over the course of the year. I deserve another year, for which I am under contract, to stick the landing.

 

[skinsinparadise]

To me, the floor would be 8-9 and finishing better than we start (whether measured by stats or wins).

Quinn, who is very well-liked and respected in NFL coaching circles, would have the following narrative:

2024: I took over a dumpster fire organization and both rebuilt a culture for the program and brought together a roster that was almost entirely turned over led by a rookie QB and took them to the NFC Championship game..

2025: I got minimal roster support from the GM, my team caught the injury bug including my QB, and I had a down year.

2026: I rebuilt my staff, oversaw teaching new systems on both sides of the ball, and won 50% more games than the previous season while trending up over the course of the year. I deserve another year, for which I am under contract, to stick the landing.

Where we depart I gather is ironically the very reasons why I defended Quinn as to this 2025 season. That is, if they had a normal amount of injuries versus leadiing the league in injuries, they'd be 8-9, 9-8 in 2025.

If I thought this was a legit 5-12 season as some of his critics do -- that is, the injuries were incidental to the process not the main plot. The main plot is that they suck and the 2024 season was a mirage driven by Jayden and lucky breaks and a soft schedule. If I believed that, I'd get a little more those who want Quinn gone now. But I don't believe that.

So I don't personally give a rats behind about winning more games than 2025. It means nothing to me. For me to accept that premise would also make me think Quinn really did a very crappy job last year like abysmal level bad. And while I think he did a poor job in 2025, I don't think it was that bad. I grade him on a curve and shrug it off to a learning experience.

But I am not using the low bar of the 2025 season to judge 2026. I am shrugging off 2025 and banking on a return to 2024 or something like it.

Also I do think a franchise QB can overcome even medicore coaching so if next year is 8-9 assuming Jayden plays the season, it would likely mean we don't have the QB -- and for me that would be much more depressing than thinking we don't have the HC.

My faith in Jayden though is like 9.5 out of 10. I think they bounce back for that reason. As for Quinn my thought is he's average to an above average coach but nothing special. I can live with that. But an 8-9 season if it happens with Jayden playing well, I can't see how it doesn't also means some really bad coaching.

QBs who play like Jayden did in 2024 aren't home watching the playoffs.

 

[CapsCommies]

Where we depart I gather is ironically the very reasons why I defended Quinn as to this 2025 season. That is, if they had a normal amount of injuries versus leadiing the league in injuries, they'd be 8-9, 9-8 in 2025.

If I thought this was a legit 5-12 season as some of his critics do -- that is, the injuries were incidental to the process not the main plot. The main plot is that they suck and the 2024 season was a mirage driven by Jayden and lucky breaks and a soft schedule. If I believed that, I'd get a little more those who want Quinn gone now. But I don't believe that.

So I don't personally give a rats behind about winning more games than 2025. It means nothing to me. For me to accept that premise would also make me think Quinn really did a very crappy job last year like abysmal level bad. And while I think he did a poor job in 2025, I don't think it was that bad. I grade him on a curve and shrug it off to a learning experience.

But I am not using the low bar of the 2025 season to judge 2026. I am shrugging off 2025 and banking on a return to 2024 or something like it.

Also I do think a franchise QB can overcome even medicore coaching so if next year is 8-9 assuming Jayden plays the season, it would likely mean we don't have the QB -- and for me that would be much more depressing than thinking we don't have the HC.

My faith in Jayden though is like 9.5 out of 10. I think they bounce back for that reason. As for Quinn my thought is he's average to an above average coach but nothing special. I can live with that. But an 8-9 season if it happens with Jayden playing well, I can't see how it doesn't also means some really bad coaching.

QBs who play like Jayden did in 2024 aren't home watching the playoffs.

I would agree with you if they had kept Kliff. That would signal to me: we're keeping Jayden comfortable in the same system he's been running, we're going to get him more weapons, fix the D and go win 12 games.

The fact they parted ways with Kliff bc Quinn wants philosophical change and promoted a rising-but-neophyte coach suggests to me a more patient approach to get back to 12-5 but in a more long-term sustainable way.

I think we can gather they want to stop running Jayden so much and they want him under center more. They're moving from a gap/power running scheme to a zone blocking scheme. Our OC will be calling plays for the first time. It's a lot of change, and even though I'm a believer in Jayden, he's still a young player who basically lost his sophomore season to injury.

In any case, this is getting a bit academic. I could easily see them win 10+ games and make the playoffs. But I could easily see them improve with bumps along the road, too.

Last thing I'll say about whether the 2024 12-5 team was "real" - that team was a few bad bounces away from being 9-8 the same way the 2025 team was a couple injuries away from being 9-8. The point being, margins in the NFL are very, very slim. And while "you are what your record says you are" as Bill Parcells put it, the reality is "8-9" can mean many different things in the same way that "12-5" can mean different things.

At the very least I think we can agree that Peters and Quinn drew the wrong conclusions from going 12-5 in 2024.

 

[KDawg]

tempestuous,

This kind of language is completely unacceptable.

(Anyone know what this means?)

 

[Riggo44]

This kind of language is completely unacceptable.

(Anyone know what this means?)

Essentially tempest like emotionally; storing, turbulent mood swings

 

[KDawg]

Essentially tempest like emotionally; storing, turbulent mood swings

When you define something you have to use words that help make the original make sense. I feel like I've stepped into a Shakespearian theatre (I spelled theatre the fancy way, see? I'm not stupik).

Also, so this stays on track - I wonder if DQ knows what temptuous means

 

[skinsinparadise]

I would agree with you if they had kept Kliff. That would signal to me: we're keeping Jayden comfortable in the same system he's been running, we're going to get him more weapons, fix the D and go win 12 games.

The fact they parted ways with Kliff bc Quinn wants philosophical change and promoted a rising-but-neophyte coach suggests to me a more patient approach to get back to 12-5 but in a more long-term sustainable way.

I think we can gather they want to stop running Jayden so much and they want him under center more. They're moving from a gap/power running scheme to a zone blocking scheme. Our OC will be calling plays for the first time. It's a lot of change, and even though I'm a believer in Jayden, he's still a young player who basically lost his sophomore season to injury.

In any case, this is getting a bit academic. I could easily see them win 10+ games and make the playoffs. But I could easily see them improve with bumps along the road, too.

Last thing I'll say about whether the 2024 12-5 team was "real" - that team was a few bad bounces away from being 9-8 the same way the 2025 team was a couple injuries away from being 9-8. The point being, margins in the NFL are very, very slim. And while "you are what your record says you are" as Bill Parcells put it, the reality is "8-9" can mean many different things in the same way that "12-5" can mean different things.

At the very least I think we can agree that Peters and Quinn drew the wrong conclusions from going 12-5 in 2024.

I agree they drew the wrong conclusions. Where we disagree is I don't see how we can be good with a slow burn approach to maximizing Jayden's rookie contract as a possibilty. And I seriously doubt Quinn believes in slow burning the contract either, I'd put money that Quinn convinced Harris that Blough will hit the ground running. And heck maybe he will be right, I certainly hope so.

 

[skinsinparadise]

 

[CapsCommies]

I agree they drew the wrong conclusions. Where we disagree is I don't see how we can be good with a slow burn approach to maximizing Jayden's rookie contract as a possibilty. And I seriously doubt Quinn believes in slow burning the contract either, I'd put money that Quinn convinced Harris that Blough will hit the ground running. And heck maybe he will be right, I certainly hope so.

Yes, this is where we disagree. I certainly think Blough finding immediate success is possible, and I'm sure the org believes that Jayden being an eraser will help Blough's adjustment tremendously, but I don't think Quinn has convinced Harris that a 30-year-old assistant position coach is bound to excel as a coordinator in year 1.

I agree with the video you posted above, which makes that point that context matters. If the defense is bad again, Quinn is out because he's a defensive-minded HC. But if it's Blough who struggles, then there is a longer leash because there is organizational consensus that he is a top young talent they believe in. That video made the same point I did, which is that hiring Blough bakes in some patience on the offensive side of the ball. Defense, there are no excuses. But offense can take some lumps without Quinn needing to find a realtor.

 

[Conn]

Yes, this is where we disagree. I certainly think Blough finding immediate success is possible, and I'm sure the org believes that Jayden being an eraser will help Blough's adjustment tremendously, but I don't think Quinn has convinced Harris that a 30-year-old assistant position coach is bound to excel as a coordinator in year 1.

I agree with the video you posted above, which makes that point that context matters. If the defense is bad again, Quinn is out because he's a defensive-minded HC. But if it's Blough who struggles, then there is a longer leash because there is organizational consensus that he is a top young talent they believe in. That video made the same point I did, which is that hiring Blough bakes in some patience on the offensive side of the ball. Defense, there are no excuses. But offense can take some lumps without Quinn needing to find a realtor.

But what does “no excuses” look like for a defense that was historically bad this year? Where do you draw the line and actually believe the improvement is sustainable and will continue, rather than a dead cat bounce where it literally couldn’t be worse and was bound to improve? Top-20? Top-16?

What level of mediocrity is acceptable on D if the O is obviously experiencing growing pains as well?

 

[bowhunter]

Essentially tempest like emotionally; storing, turbulent mood swings

Lol at us all just whistling past the "estrous" part.

 

[RWJ]

Spot on I was thinking about this earlier. Let's say the Blough has our O averaging out 24 ppg. and our D is allowing 25 or more ppg. Also, if we end up with a record similar like we did this past year, it could very well be the end of DQ.

 

[Boone]

No head coach with two really bad seasons in a row (especially with a young franchise QB on a rookie contract) is going to be saved because he hired an inexperienced 'wunderkind' as OC. I just don't think it works that way.

The Commanders need to show significant improvement everywhere or Quinn is definitely on the hot seat after the 2026 season.

 

[RWJ]

No head coach with two really bad seasons in a row (especially with a young franchise QB on a rookie contract) is going to be saved because he hired an inexperienced 'wunderkind' as OC. I just don't think it works that way.

The Commanders need to show significant improvement everywhere or Quinn is definitely on the hot seat after the 2026 season.

Yes, I believe he needs to finish 10-7 or 9-8 to keep his job. That may not even be good enough. It may take then getting to the playoffs. I just don't think that Morris or any vet DC gets the job done. Morris specifically would be taking a demotion coming in as a DC and an assistant coming in as a DC would have more fire and desire to succeed, so it might be in DQs interest to go first time DC too. Just a thought.

 

[Voice_of_Reason]

I think, to some extent, Quinn's future is dependent on 5 things. Some of which he has control over, some of which he doesn't:

1. The overall roster, especially on defense has to be much better. And on defense much faster. Peters also needs to address the weapons. Somebody made a joke about McNabb a million years ago, that if he walked through an airport with his weapons, he wouldn't be stopped. Same with us last year. Old, slow TE, McLaurin missing half the season didn't help, Deebo is a great 3rd option, but he was our first option too much. Our team speed was a 3 toed sloth. How much say Quinn has in personnel is a bit of a ?. However, if the overall roster talent isn't vastly improved, again, especially on defense and offensive weapons, he's fighting an up hill battle.

2. Daniels has to return to his rookie year form. This means play wise and availability wise. What Quinn can do to influence this is surround Daniels with the best possible support structure from a coaching perspective. OC, QB Coach, scheme, etc. The personnel side is more Peters. And the player side is Daniels. He has to play at the same level as 2024 and not get hurt. A lot of that is on the player. Coaches can help, scheme can help, and supporting cast can help. But Daniels has to perform and most of that is on him.

3. The coordinator picks have to work out. Blough and ? on defense. This is where Quinn clearly has the biggest influence. Whereas he probably has input on the roster and can surround Daniels with help, he doesn't have roster control and he isn't Daniels. So this is a big one for Quinn.

4. Not have ridiculously bad injury luck. I don't think Quinn has any control over this, but if the team loses players like they did this year, then there might be nothing he can do to save himself.

5. His ability to get the team prepared for early season games. I have no idea what the schedule is going to be, but they can't come out and be flat 3 years in a row. The training camp/offseason program has to be adjusted so they start faster. Quinn clearly has control of this.

I said a while back I think Quinn is a good, but not great coach. I still think that. I think you can do worse. However, the team is going to have to do a lot better next year. And some of that is outside of Quinn's control. Frankly, the thing which would be most helpful is if Peters nails the off-season.

 

[skinsinparadise]

As for some optimisim, I do think they can build off of Jayden and the O line. Pats were 5-12 and then went to town in FA and look at them now. Ironically, its my optimisim about this team bouncing back is why I am not digging any 8-9 season from Quinn as some sort ot catalyist for greater things in 2027 -- that's nauseating to me.

But I do think they bounce back next season and I expect playoffs.

 

[KDawg]

As for some optimisim, I do think they can build off of Jayden and the O line. Pats were 5-12 and then went to town in FA and look at them now. Ironically, its my optimisim about this team bouncing back is why I am not digging any 8-9 season from Quinn as some sort ot catalyist for greater things in 2027 -- that's nauseating to me.

But I do think they bounce back next season and I expect playoffs.



View attachment 14008

Agree on the OL - aside from the fact that we are waiting for Tunsil to be re-signed/extended

 

[skinsinparadise]

Agree on the OL - aside from the fact that we are waiting for Tunsil to be re-signed/extended

He's under contract so am guessing it goes down. With Terry, I put it more on him than Peters, he was looking supposedly for 35-40 million a year, and it seemed like his agent's strategy was to play a game of chicken and thought Peters would blink first.

 

[skinsinparadise]