The HC Dan Quinn Discussion Thread

[SkinsNumberOne]

When the Ben Johnson debacle took place, I was all in on MacDonald.

There were plenty of reports that the team was too.

I don't know the exact veracity, but I think the Athletic had a big story on how Macdonald was offered by the Commanders. The Seahawks beat the offer, possibly by a lot, to show their commitment to him. They really wanted him, and they knew the Commanders were likely moving on him.

Who knows all of the behind-the-scenes stuff that went down? I pored over the articles at the time. The most frequently cited aspects are (with apologies, this is from memory, so maybe I get some "facts" wrong - but I will say I reviewed some articles last week about this out of curiosity):

30 January: Comms interview Macdonald
31 January: Macdonald flies to Seattle for interview.
However, on this SAME day, Ben Johnson withdraws from consideration.
VERY NEXT DAY: Commanders offer Dan Quinn he accepts.

Now I have read articles on how Macdonald's acceptance went down (because it really bothered me when he didn't become our HC; he seemed like a great fit).
Here are some of the key comments from some of the articles and interviews:
- Commanders rumored to have offered Macdonald HC position, but while in Seattle, he accepts Seahawks.
- Seahawks said they knew they wanted him and were going to move strongly. GM and Owner met and agreed, and made a strong play for Macdonald.
- Macdonald in interviews later said that it just seemed they were really motivated and moved fast which he appreciated.
--- Regardless of if Comms offer, this commentary is telling to me. I think that the Commanders may have offered, but the Seahawks made a stronger offer. If the Commanders didn't offer, I think it was clear they MAY offer soon - and I definitely believe one of those two things are true. However, I think he (Macdonald) in EITHER case appreciated that the Seahawks showed how much they wanted him.

I think the rest is history. I personally think the Seahawks got the better HC. Thought so then, thought maybe I was wrong after last year (although still had misgivings on DQ, I was at least a little unclear on Macdonald himself) but since the Seahawks are doing better the articles are more readily available about him. I see a lot of reason and thought in his actions - easy to understand, from point to point. He seems very detailed. I think those are key qualities in an HC; I don't see them in DQ (even in some observables).

 

[RWJ]

There were plenty of reports that the team was too.

I don't know the exact veracity, but I think the Athletic had a big story on how Macdonald was offered by the Commanders. The Seahawks beat the offer, possibly by a lot, to show their commitment to him. They really wanted him, and they knew the Commanders were likely moving on him.

Who knows all of the behind-the-scenes stuff that went down? I pored over the articles at the time. The most frequently cited aspects are (with apologies, this is from memory, so maybe I get some "facts" wrong - but I will say I reviewed some articles last week about this out of curiosity):

30 January: Comms interview Macdonald
31 January: Macdonald flies to Seattle for interview.
However, on this SAME day, Ben Johnson withdraws from consideration.
VERY NEXT DAY: Commanders offer Dan Quinn he accepts.

Now I have read articles on how Macdonald's acceptance went down (because it really bothered me when he didn't become our HC; he seemed like a great fit).
Here are some of the key comments from some of the articles and interviews:
- Commanders rumored to have offered Macdonald HC position, but while in Seattle, he accepts Seahawks.
- Seahawks said they knew they wanted him and were going to move strongly. GM and Owner met and agreed, and made a strong play for Macdonald.
- Macdonald in interviews later said that it just seemed they were really motivated and moved fast which he appreciated.
--- Regardless of if Comms offer, this commentary is telling to me. I think that the Commanders may have offered, but the Seahawks made a stronger offer. If the Commanders didn't offer, I think it was clear they MAY offer soon - and I definitely believe one of those two things are true. However, I think he (Macdonald) in EITHER case appreciated that the Seahawks showed how much they wanted him.

I think the rest is history. I personally think the Seahawks got the better HC. Thought so then, thought maybe I was wrong after last year (although still had misgivings on DQ, I was at least a little unclear on Macdonald himself) but since the Seahawks are doing better the articles are more readily available about him. I see a lot of reason and thought in his actions - easy to understand, from point to point. He seems very detailed. I think those are key qualities in an HC; I don't see them in DQ (even in some observables).

Thanks for the in-depth info, SNO. I didn't know a lot of this but the pieces seem to fit together. Who will be our next DC will be interesting. Doing the DQ connections and I hope he moves in another direction there is Raheem Morris or other D positions coaches he worked with. Someone that is up and coming as a position D coach ready to take on a D coordinator position.

 

[method man]

Thanks for the in-depth info, SNO. I didn't know a lot of this but the pieces seem to fit together. Who will be our next DC will be interesting. Doing the DQ connections and I hope he moves in another direction there is Raheem Morris or other D positions coaches he worked with. Someone that is up and coming as a position D coach ready to take on a D coordinator position.

Let’s see how serious ownership and this group is. Brian Flores is a coaching free agent at the end of this season. Make him the highest paid DC in the league, give him a lot of guaranteed money and make him promises regarding the roster. Do what the Niners did for Saleh

I am worried that the Giants have the upper hand here. Lot more talent and Flores is from Brooklyn

 

[skinsinparadise]

Let’s see how serious ownership and this group is. Brian Flores is a coaching free agent at the end of this season. Make him the highest paid DC in the league, give him a lot of guaranteed money and make him promises regarding the roster. Do what the Niners did for Saleh

I am worried that the Giants have the upper hand here. Lot more talent and Flores is from Brooklyn

Flores or Schwartz assuming the Browns coachig staff gets let go.

I am in the give Quinn another season to rebound camp. I like him. But if this season repeats next season for whatever reason am out.

The down moment for me with Quinn was on Saturday. The punting the ball twice on 4th down close to midfield -- giving up on the game and being more concerned about being blown out. But the kicker to me is the we will see them in 2 weeks bit. Nauseating to me.

Go get em Dan in a meaningless game in Philly when they already clinched a division. Bravo if you can beat the Eagles backups! I hate the Eagles but part of me thinks it would be poetic for the Eagles to romp them considering how Quinn is building up that game.

 

[DWinzit]

Let’s see how serious ownership and this group is. Brian Flores is a coaching free agent at the end of this season. Make him the highest paid DC in the league, give him a lot of guaranteed money and make him promises regarding the roster. Do what the Niners did for Saleh

I am worried that the Giants have the upper hand here. Lot more talent and Flores is from Brooklyn

I like your idea on Flores. It will be interesting to see if AP at least looks his way or holds his past against him which would stink. Flores to NY would be a bite in the arse.

I love that so many posters are stating they liked MacDonald. He was 100% the guy I wanted as HC and we sure as hell need a good DC after this season, Ugh

 

[skinsinparadise]

I like your idea on Flores. It will be interesting to see if AP at least looks his way or holds his past against him which would stink. Flores to NY would be a bite in the arse.

I love that so many posters are stating they liked MacDonald. He was 100% the guy I wanted as HC and we sure as hell need a good DC after this season, Ugh

Ben Johnson was my top guy until he acted weird and rebuffed this team. McDonald #2. Quinn #3. I was though good with Quinn.

I think with McDonald the impression I got was Seattle just showed him they wanted him more. I am gathering part of that was Peters liked Quinn, too. Also Seattle had the better roster.

 

[DWinzit]

Ben Johnson was my top guy until he acted weird and rebuffed this team. McDonald #2. Quinn #3. I was though good with Quinn.

I think with McDonald the impression I got was Seattle just showed him they wanted him more. I am gathering part of that was Peters liked Quinn, too. Also Seattle had the better roster.

I admit I was not disappointed with Quinn. It felt good "stealing" him from Dallas. If only he left Whitt behind!

You may be correct about AP falling for DQ

I was not a fan of Ben. Those feelings only grew with his Washington hijinx.

But I was smitten with MacDonald

 

[method man]

Ben Johnson was my top guy until he acted weird and rebuffed this team. McDonald #2. Quinn #3. I was though good with Quinn.

I think with McDonald the impression I got was Seattle just showed him they wanted him more. I am gathering part of that was Peters liked Quinn, too. Also Seattle had the better roster.

The whole bloated hiring committee approach was big company mumbo jumbo that reeks of MBA think and Harris’s PE DNA.

Hopefully, they don’t do that again in the future and move quicker with one throat to choke for the decision

 

[method man]

Flores or Schwartz assuming the Browns coachig staff gets let go.

I am in the give Quinn another season to rebound camp. I like him. But if this season repeats next season for whatever reason am out.

The down moment for me with Quinn was on Saturday. The punting the ball twice on 4th down close to midfield -- giving up on the game and being more concerned about being blown out. But the kicker to me is the we will see them in 2 weeks bit. Nauseating to me.

Go get em Dan in a meaningless game in Philly when they already clinched a division. Bravo if you can beat the Eagles backups! I hate the Eagles but part of me thinks it would be poetic for the Eagles to romp them considering how Quinn is building up that game.

Schwartz would be awesome too. Interesting to note he is 8-2 against Kyle Shanahan so he would be a balm for the difficulties we’ve had against Shanahan tree offenses.

If they don’t go with Flores or Schwartz, Jim Leonhard is the guy I have an eye on. Key with him is he called plays for several years in the Big Ten and was good at it. He is apparently being picky with DC gigs and the Broncos gave him the assistant head coach title to keep him around another year

 

[RWJ]

Let’s see how serious ownership and this group is. Brian Flores is a coaching free agent at the end of this season. Make him the highest paid DC in the league, give him a lot of guaranteed money and make him promises regarding the roster. Do what the Niners did for Saleh

I am worried that the Giants have the upper hand here. Lot more talent and Flores is from Brooklyn

I'm all about either but one or both may be paid to stay where they are right now or may bet a HC gig if more HC jobs open up. Again, I hope that DQ stays away from a coach he has connections in the past with.

 

[skinsinparadise]

AI Overview



Yes, the Green Bay Packers, led by Coach Matt LaFleur, play their starters in the preseason specifically because NFL data suggests that
getting reps in preseason games significantly reduces the risk of injuries during the early weeks of the regular season, helping players "knock the rust off" and prepare for live-game contact. While counterintuitive, this approach helps them avoid the sloppier play and potential muscle pulls common in Week 1 by building game-speed conditioning and timing, despite the inherent risk of playing key players.
Why the Packers Play Starters (Data-Driven Approach):

• Injury Prevention: LaFleur cites NFL medical and performance data showing players with adequate preseason reps are less likely to get injured early in the season.
• "Knock the Rust Off": It allows veterans to get back into the rhythm and timing of live football against other teams before the high stakes of the regular season begin.
• Game Speed & Feel: It helps players mentally and physically prepare for the intensity of collision sports and see different schemes.

 

[Ashburn Dave]

Starters should always start in the preseason. How long they should play in a preseason game is the real question. At a minimum they need to at least play one series, especially in the first and last preseason games. In the other preseason games, starters should play at least until halftime.

I was never a fan of the Quinn hire either. He is the typical retread HC that seems like a nice guy but with no real internal fire or burning desire to outcoach his opponent that week.

 

[DWinzit]

Starters should always start in the preseason. How long they should play in a preseason game is the real question. At a minimum they need to at least play one series, especially in the first and last preseason games. In the other preseason games, starters should play at least until halftime.

I was never a fan of the Quinn hire either. He is the typical retread HC that seems like a nice guy but with no real internal fire or burning desire to outcoach his opponent that week.

Yes, it always felt important for timing (like QB's with WR's) , both lines and defenses familiarizing themselves with working and communicating with each other as well as general tackling and taking a hit. They do not need to be in long but some game time should be given. You can't imitate what you get from real game time experience.

That is the same reason getting young potential players for next year game time at the end of this season since we are playing for little.

 

[Conn]

I don’t question Quinn’s want-to or burning fire to compete at all. I question whether it’s enough. He wants to be a team leader type CEO HC, he needs to delegate to better coaches (new DC hire will be a big test, he’s whiffed once already) AND he needs to provide an edge on gameday as a decision maker. Situationally on 4th down, deciding whether to go for 1 or 2 after a TD, using TO’s and challenges, general situational clock management, holding people accountable in order to have a disciplined and less-penalized team. He needs to provide an edge in those things on the sideline along with his main job as a “culture builder”. Otherwise he’s not bringing anything special to the mix other than a desire to win and pretty words. Which only go so far.

I thought with our 4th down aggressiveness (and progressiveness) last year that we were getting something similar to what Dan Campbell has brought to DET. But we backed off on that aggressiveness a lot this year (with and without Daniels) which makes me question whether it is even in Quinn’s philosophy, big picture. He talks a good game but needs to show why he’s the man. It starts with his next DC (and assistants) hire but it continues on gameday each week.

Next year will tell us a lot about whether the path we’re on is the right one. I personally don’t think it is, but I also think that organizationally we’d be twats to fire the guy who went to the NFCCG one year ago, even if the cracks are showing and I’m not confident in the future. I know people don’t want an owner to accept anything but the best, but there’s a flip side to it for a guy new to the league. Harris is building a reputation that will impact our ability to build the franchise for decades to come. His patience (and by extension his FO’s patience) now will pay dividends later.

It’s also not a great year to want to be on the hunt for the next great young offensive mind to run the show, and they aren’t ready (yet) to make Daniels start over in a new offense (again, yet). We can afford to give it another year and let candidates emerge. There are no obvious Shanahan/McVay/McDaniel/KOC/Coen types emerging right now in a way that makes the decision painfully clear. We can be patient even if it feels we’re spinning our tires, even if people already don’t believe in Quinn. Sometimes even if you don’t have “the guy” the right move is to wait until the right moment to strike and set up the future. That’s the essence of a guy being a “bridge”. So even if that’s where we are, we have to be a bit patient and let it play out another year or two.

Which allows us to collect a larger sample size on AP’s ability to build a roster as well. Which also needs ongoing evaluation.

So me personally, while I’m not 100% out on Quinn and I like the guy enough, I do think we’re heading in the wrong direction right now, sure. But I think the time isn’t right to change that, and I’m willing to let it play out while future candidates emerge. The idea that Quinn will in retrospect be seen as a bridge is something I’ve pondered aloud since we hired him, and if that’s the case I’m fine with it. Peters needs to prove himself over a larger sample size, and we’ll see where we’re at this time next year. Peters imo gets another HC hire to his name before it’s all said and done, if the roster moves in the right direction. He needs to bide his time and strike when appropriate. Until then, I’ll hope Quinn surprises me.

 

[burgold]

The one thing I don't want to see from Peters is for him to trade away draft assets this year. His golden touch is supposed to be as a draft guy. He needs to give himself ingredients to cook with.

I understand all the trades in isolation and in the abstract, but Deebo was okay, Lattimore was a miss, and Tunsil was a hit. More importantly, we need some talent a team isn't willing to let go of and that probably means we need to draft them.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I don’t question Quinn’s want-to or burning fire to compete at all. I question whether it’s enough. He wants to be a team leader type CEO HC, he needs to delegate to better coaches (new DC hire will be a big test, he’s whiffed once already) AND he needs to provide an edge on gameday as a decision maker. Situationally on 4th down, deciding whether to go for 1 or 2 after a TD, using TO’s and challenges, general situational clock management, holding people accountable in order to have a disciplined and less-penalized team. He needs to provide an edge in those things on the sideline along with his main job as a “culture builder”. Otherwise he’s not bringing anything special to the mix other than a desire to win and pretty words. Which only go so far.

I thought with our 4th down aggressiveness (and progressiveness) last year that we were getting something similar to what Dan Campbell has brought to DET. But we backed off on that aggressiveness a lot this year (with and without Daniels) which makes me question whether it is even in Quinn’s philosophy, big picture. He talks a good game but needs to show why he’s the man. It starts with his next DC (and assistants) hire but it continues on gameday each week.

Next year will tell us a lot about whether the path we’re on is the right one. I personally don’t think it is, but I also think that organizationally we’d be twats to fire the guy who went to the NFCCG one year ago, even if the cracks are showing and I’m not confident in the future. I know people don’t want an owner to accept anything but the best, but there’s a flip side to it for a guy new to the league. Harris is building a reputation that will impact our ability to build the franchise for decades to come. His patience (and by extension his FO’s patience) now will pay dividends later.

It’s also not a great year to want to be on the hunt for the next great young offensive mind to run the show, and they aren’t ready (yet) to make Daniels start over in a new offense (again, yet). We can afford to give it another year and let candidates emerge. There are no obvious Shanahan/McVay/McDaniel/KOC/Coen types emerging right now in a way that makes the decision painfully clear. We can be patient even if it feels we’re spinning our tires, even if people already don’t believe in Quinn. Sometimes even if you don’t have “the guy” the right move is to wait until the right moment to strike and set up the future. That’s the essence of a guy being a “bridge”. So even if that’s where we are, we have to be a bit patient and let it play out another year or two.

Which allows us to collect a larger sample size on AP’s ability to build a roster as well. Which also needs ongoing evaluation.

So me personally, while I’m not 100% out on Quinn and I like the guy enough, I do think we’re heading in the wrong direction right now, sure. But I think the time isn’t right to change that, and I’m willing to let it play out while future candidates emerge. The idea that Quinn will in retrospect be seen as a bridge is something I’ve pondered aloud since we hired him, and if that’s the case I’m fine with it. Peters needs to prove himself over a larger sample size, and we’ll see where we’re at this time next year. Peters imo gets another HC hire to his name before it’s all said and done, if the roster moves in the right direction. He needs to bide his time and strike when appropriate. Until then, I’ll hope Quinn surprises me.

For me, this off season is everything as to Quinn and Peters both. I don't discount the first season's success. I don't dismiss this years failures.

I think his first season's success was largely about Jayden Daniels so it made him look better than he might be at his job. I think this season's failure are largely about injuries so its making him look worse than he is. This coming season IMO is the ultimate test because its giving him and Peters the ultimate script of what works and what doesn't.

Also it completely erases his first season success with most fans -- the halo effect of season 1 is gone. So its sort of like the nerdy guy getting the homecoming queen in HS and feeling on top of the world. Then the next year, they get rejected in front of all their friends and watch the homecoming queen walk off with the school bully. As high as you can go and then as low as you can go.

My point is that template is as good as it gets for Quinn and Peters to bounce back. By reputation, they are workahollics and are competitive as heck. I consider myself a workaholic and competitive at my job -- and lol in my career I have an occasional bout of failure and humuliation and that typically brings out my best. And think most of us are like that.

It's good actually that they didn't go 9-8. They've gone from top of the world to the bottom. Will see what they are made of. Even though I am a bit more upset at Peters than I am Quinn, I have more faith that Peters taps into these failures to bounce back. That's mostly gut. But some of it is Bram saying he's never seen anyone as competitive as Adam Peters who lives and dies with this stuff. If so, this has to be eating at him big time.

I think Quinn likely learns from this, too. But my pause with him is can be be ruthless to bring change? Cut off Whitt. Hire a D coordinator with a strong personality and mind of their own. Cut ties with veteran players he's close with. Stuff like that. I don't know. Peters strikes me ruthless from what I've heard about him. Quinn not as much.

But I don't agree with those who think Quinn = Rivera. Rivera wanted to play GM and HC and from what I heard was lazy as far as putting in the time for either job let alone both. Rivera seemed more concerned about his own PR than winning. Quinn doesn't have that rep. Quinn from what I hear works his ass off and really really really wants to win. Can he? I agree with you, am not sure. But am agnostic on it -- I want to see this coming season first and then I'll decide.

As I've said in other posts, I want to see what happens in Rocky 3 after Mr. T kicks their asses. Do they came back with a vengence or do the same stuff? Will see.

 

[burgold]

The craziest thing is that Quinn is still about .500 as a coach here. As bad as this year was, last year was good enough to keep his head (barely) above water.

 

[Ashburn Dave]

Is the jury still out on Kingsbury being a good HC? He is one of the leading candidates for HC in 2026 according to what I've been reading. I would hate for us to miss out on another Kyle and/or McVay where we didn't realize what we had with our assistants if we retain Quinn only to see Kingsbury leave and do great things for another team as their HC.

 

[method man]

The one thing I don't want to see from Peters is for him to trade away draft assets this year. His golden touch is supposed to be as a draft guy. He needs to give himself ingredients to cook with.

I understand all the trades in isolation and in the abstract, but Deebo was okay, Lattimore was a miss, and Tunsil was a hit. More importantly, we need some talent a team isn't willing to let go of and that probably means we need to draft them.

I think it is totally fine if he trades away/pick swaps any of the 4 6th and 7th round picks he will have (including the comp pick he will get). Hit rate on those picks is pretty low generally and it’s tough to fit 4 guys like that on a 53 man roster

 

[RWJ]

A couple/few of you want either Flores or Schwartz. Let's say we get neither due to reupping with their current teams or getting hired as new HC. More heads will roll after the season is over with other NFL teams hiring HCs.

Who comes to mind?