NFL players have a deep respect for Dan Quinn. Widely regarded as one of the most player-friendly coaches in the league, Quinn builds genuine relationships with everyone in the organization, not just the 90-man roster. Since taking over as head coach of the Washington Commanders in 2024, he has prioritized veteran care, giving players like Zach Ertz, Laremy Tunsil, and even Bobby Wagner (when not injured) scheduled rest days during the week.
Quinn’s player-first approach extends into offseason workouts and training camp. With NFL restrictions already limiting padded practices and two-a-days, many have criticized Quinn for running too soft a camp—a sentiment that followed him from his time with the Falcons. This narrative only grew last summer after the Commanders’ 12-5 regular season and NFC Championship appearance. But after a disastrous 5-12 campaign in 2025—a season Quinn himself called “terribly” disappointing—things may be shifting.
During Friday’s rookie minicamp, Zach Selby of commanders.com noted a notable change: practice felt “a little more loaded” than in previous years, with two team periods and two seven-on-seven sessions—a clear increase from what the 2025 rookies experienced. Quinn had already hinted at changes to weekly operations after the season ended, and this could be the start of a tougher regimen.
It’s also worth noting that Quinn hired two new coordinators—offensive coordinator David Blough and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones—and may be giving them more autonomy. Since last season, Quinn’s tone with the media has shifted; he has repeatedly stressed that the 2025 performance was unacceptable for everyone, including himself.
Selby’s observation, while small, could be significant. With OTAs starting later this month and mandatory minicamp next month, we’ll soon see if this trend continues. Quinn has always aimed to balance player care with performance, but after a soft camp in 2025 contributed to one of the league’s highest injury rates, he understands the stakes for 2026—not just for his future in Washington, but for the entire organization.
