The Washington Commanders achieved more than anyone expected during the first season under Dan Quinn. But make no mistake, the head coach is not going to take anything for granted entering Year 2 of his tenure.
Adam Peters and Josh Harris thought Quinn was the right man to lead this ambitious project. They cast their net far and wide to find an accomplished head coach, and they made the right call.
Quinn completely transformed the culture within the locker room. Players hung on his every word and willingly followed him into battle. He led from the front, built strong relationships, and trusted his squad fully. The turnaround was immediate, winning 12 regular-season games and putting together a sensational playoff run en route to the NFC Championship game.
This immediate success galvanized an entire fanbase and put the league on notice. Quinn knows better than anyone this counts for nothing if progress isn't sustained and standards aren't kept high.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn sets high expectations before OTAs
Quinn made this abundantly clear during his media availability at the annual league meetings. He laid down the gauntlet to his squad, outlining his requirements regarding effort and improvement when they congregate once again for organized team activities in the coming weeks.
"The vision of who we want to be, that's better than a year a go when we were trying to sell hope of what that is, but now we've actually seen examples of that. Those are the things I'll always keep right at the top. This is the time when you have to get better at your skills. The offseason program is an important part of that. If all of us, myself included, raise our level on the skill sets, that's a really big deal."
Dan Quinn via NBC Sports
Dan Quinn on messaging heading into year 2 with #Commanders:
"The vision of who we want to be, that's better than a year a go when we were trying to sell hope of what that is, but now we've actually seen examples of that"@JPFinlayNBCS#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/Ep82CqizHF
— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) April 1, 2025
The standard has been set. Quinn's seen the results first-hand and wants the same trend to continue. The message is clear.
Washington re-signed a lot of its free agents who contributed to the cause in 2024. That should make the transition to the same high expectations go smoothly. Those recently acquired need to follow suit.
This is why Peters spent time finding proven performers with glittering résumés throughout his second recruitment period. Everyone from the top end to those expected to fill out the depth chart has experience. They are getting the chance to make a lasting contribution to a franchise on the up. Anyone not pulling their weight or not fitting in won't last long.
That's the only way Washington is going to build on a phenomenal first campaign under Quinn's leadership. He knows what can happen when complacency sets in. He was fired by the Atlanta Falcons for that exact reason. This was a harsh lesson he took on board and is striving with everything he has to ensure the same doesn't happen again.
It would be surprising if the players didn't respond accordingly. This is a close-knit group all working collectively to make sure their goals are met. Last season's accomplishments were just a small taste of what could be to come. But they must maintain the same work ethic and resolve through the good times and bad.
Quinn will make sure of that.
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