Dan Quinn spearheaded a turnaround of epic proportions last season. The Washington Commanders went from the NFL's basement to the NFC Championship game, and fans were hoping this could be the start of a prosperous new era after decades of languishing among the bottom-feeders.
That hasn't happened. This season is quickly becoming an unmitigated disaster for the Commanders. Fans are questioning everything from Adam Peters' offseason recruitment to the players' ability to produce, and even Quinn's culture shift. Injuries haven't assisted their cause, but Washington has fallen way short of expectations.
Quinn is a respected leader whom the players love. But the remaining seven games represent a pivotal stretch that will either silence or ignite his critics.
Dan Quinn needs to steady Commanders' ship to ease increasing pressure
And by taking over defensive play-calling responsibilities from Joe Whitt Jr., Quinn has placed an even larger microscope on his coaching credentials.
Nobody is putting Quinn on the hot seat; that is way too reactionary. His management is first-class, and the care he's shown his players has earned him the highest regard. Some of his decisions have been questioned this season, especially leaving quarterback Jayden Daniels in the game against the Seattle Seahawks. That means improvements must arrive in the coming weeks before another pivotal offseason for the organization.
If the Commanders' losing run continues, and Quinn cannot get a better tune out of the defense, then pressure will build. That's just how the NFL works, and although calls for change won't arrive immediately, things could wind up that way if the same trend continues over the early stages of 2026.
This is an increasingly precarious situation for Quinn. He was the right man to lead this ambitious project; he proved that during last season's miraculous run. He's navigating much rougher waters this time, but he still has the locker room and the fans. That much is painfully obvious.
Quinn's been around the game a long time. He's experienced enough to handle almost anything, and he's got proven credentials for overcoming adversity. But he's also been fired as a head coach before after failing to turn things around with the Atlanta Falcons, so nothing but exceptional resolve and massive adjustments will do.
The Commanders take on the Miami Dolphins this weekend, their final game before the bye. After that, they take on the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles (twice). It's a daunting run of contests, so Quinn must roll up his sleeves and ensure Washington has at least something to show from another lost campaign.
Anything less, and the stakes will be raised in no uncertain terms for Year 3 under his leadership.