The transformation of the Washington Commanders under head coach Dan Quinn has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the team’s struggles in recent years.
Quinn, who gained recognition as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, is known for his relentless drive to elevate his team’s performance and ensure they are never viewed as “less than” any opponent. When he took on the task of coaching the Commanders, it was widely regarded as a monumental challenge. Many had written off the franchise as a team stuck in mediocrity, but Quinn proved otherwise.
Upon his arrival in Washington, Quinn set about reshaping the team’s culture and mindset. His approach was to instill a winning mentality, one that would help the Commanders regain their identity as a competitive force in the NFL. The 2024 season began with skepticism from many around the league, but by the end of the regular season, Washington had posted an impressive 12-5 record. Despite this success, critics still regarded them as underdogs with little chance of making a deep playoff run. Many didn’t expect much from them, but the Commanders have defied those expectations.
Now, after securing two playoff victories, Washington finds itself just one game away from reaching the Super Bowl, a feat few thought possible at the start of the season. So, what has been the driving force behind this dramatic turnaround? According to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, it all comes down to Quinn’s leadership and his unwavering belief in the team’s potential.
From the very beginning, Quinn set high expectations for the players, treating every week as though it were “championship week.” He didn’t let anyone slip by, and this consistent approach fostered a culture of accountability and perseverance. Kingsbury credits Quinn’s mentality for much of the team’s success, saying, “When you get to this week, which he preached, nothing’s going to be different and guys believed in it, they followed him.”
For many of the players, Quinn’s leadership was a revelation. Kingsbury noted that a lot of the team members came to Washington with something to prove, feeling as though their careers were being sent off to “die” at a franchise that had been mired in losing seasons. However, under Quinn’s guidance, they’ve been able to show that they still have plenty to offer in the league. This sense of redemption and defiance has fueled their playoff run.
Interestingly, Kingsbury’s own journey mirrors that of some of the Commanders players. Not long ago, he was hailed as one of the most promising young assistants in the NFL, earning the head coaching position with the Arizona Cardinals. Unfortunately, his tenure in Arizona ended poorly, with a record of just 28-37-1. However, Kingsbury didn’t let this setback define his career. He took time to regroup, working in college football before rejoining the NFL as Quinn’s offensive coordinator. Now, at 45, Kingsbury’s career has been revitalized, and he is once again being mentioned as a potential head coach candidate, with rumors circulating about his possible future with the Cowboys.
Quinn’s leadership has clearly had a lasting impact on the Commanders, and the phrase “sent off here to die” has become a rallying cry for both the team and its coaching staff. This underdog mentality has been a powerful motivator throughout the season, especially given the team’s dismal performance in 2023 when they won only four games. With such a dramatic turnaround, it’s evident that Quinn’s coaching philosophy and ability to inspire belief in his players has made all the difference.
As the Commanders continue their march toward the Super Bowl, the story of their rise from the depths of despair serves as a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and the drive to prove everyone wrong. With Quinn at the helm, the Commanders have shown the world that they are no longer a team to be underestimated. They have earned their place among the NFL’s elite, and they’re determined to prove that their success is no fluke.
