theathleticuk
ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders' recent struggles have fueled calls for coach Dan Quinn's dismissal, but such a move would only perpetuate the franchise's long-standing instability. While a coaching change might appease frustrated fans, it would trigger a ripple effect that could set the team back yet again.
This isn't an argument that Quinn deserves to keep his job based on the team's current trajectory; rather, it's a cautionary tale about the consequences of yet another reset. Washington has posted a 4-15-1 record over the past 13 months, and when things go this poorly, fans naturally demand accountability. Change becomes the only way to satisfy that demand. It's an emotional response, which is fine—sports fandom is built on emotion. But consider the fallout if Quinn and his staff are let go.
Their fate hinges on the remaining games, starting with Thursday night's matchup against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands. There are compelling reasons for any Commanders fan invested in the franchise's long-term stability and success to root for a turnaround.
Jayden Daniels and the case for continuity
The most important figure in the Commanders' building remains quarterback Jayden Daniels. The chemistry between Daniels and first-year offensive coordinator David Blough is still in its developmental phase—to put it kindly. But if Quinn is fired, Blough would almost certainly follow him out the door, leaving Daniels with his third offensive coordinator and third offensive system entering his fourth season. That timing coincides with when the Commanders might want to begin negotiations on a long-term extension for Daniels.
If owner Josh Harris and his partners are prepared to commit more than $60 million annually to make Daniels the highest-paid player in franchise—and Washington, D.C.—history, they'd be better off knowing he can be dynamic and dangerous within the current system rather than subjecting him to another transition and added uncertainty. Quinn has had his rough moments with game management, and Blough has been forced to adjust how quickly he substitutes personnel groups and calls plays. At times—such as the end of the tie against the Giants and the loss to the Los Angeles Rams—it has been ugly. But with nine games remaining, there's no reason both issues can't be smoothed out, giving Daniels a chance to excel this year while also building confidence that the leadership and infrastructure are in place for him to remain the centerpiece for years to come.
A change at coach and coordinator would mean another offseason of building an offense from scratch rather than delving into the nuances that continuity in the same system would afford.
Adam Peters and the risk of a coaching search
Harris's first move in his first full offseason—after firing coach/de facto general manager Ron Rivera—was to hire Adam Peters as his chief football officer. The move was initially hailed as a home run. Peters drafted Daniels with the second pick, secured several short- to mid-term contracts in free agency (Frankie Luvu, Bobby Wagner, Zach Ertz, Dante Fowler, Jeremy Chinn), and hired Quinn, whose first season involved pushing every correct button and pulling every right lever.
Wouldn't it be better to recapture that vibe than to move on to Peters's second coach? Remember, the previous search didn't exactly leave the impression that Quinn was the first choice. It might have been Ben Johnson, who stayed with the Detroit Lions. It might have been Mike Macdonald, who went to the Seattle Seahawks. Would Peters's second attempt go more smoothly? Moreover, if Quinn doesn't last in Washington, then 2027—from the coaching search to the draft and free agency—becomes a referendum on Peters. That starts with whom he lands as his second coach and how that coach builds his staff, but it would extend to how Peters handles what would be his fourth roster.
When things seem to be spiraling, as they do now, it's easy to overlook Peters's wins in player acquisition—even as he let a second straight trade deadline pass Tuesday without buying or selling. Among the wins: trading for and extending franchise left tackle Laremy Tunsil, signing safety Nick Cross and tight end Chig Okonkwo to reasonable contracts last offseason, drafting linebacker Sonny Styles and receiver Antonio Williams this spring. No, $100 million edge rusher Odafe Oweh hasn't changed enough games, but with four sacks, he hasn't been a flop, either.
If the Commanders win Thursday night and begin a season turnaround, then the coach and GM could have momentum heading into their fourth season together—with some building blocks in place. Seem far-fetched? At this point, sure, but if they don't turn it around, the attention turns to Josh Harris and his overall record of success.
Josh Harris and the specter of instability
The owner is in his fourth season running the team he rooted for as a child, but if the current leadership structure doesn't succeed, the honeymoon will officially be over. The new stadium in the District is due to open in 2030. The ideal scenario would be to have on-field success driving excitement because those personal seat licenses aren't going to sell themselves. But if Quinn ultimately fails and Peters is under intensified scrutiny, eyeballs will pretty quickly turn to Harris and his track record—not just in the NFL, where he's still new, but also in the NBA and the NHL, where his sample is larger.
Harris and his partners bought the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011. In the 15 full seasons since—all before the arrival of LeBron James—the Sixers have failed to reach the Eastern Conference finals. Harris has also employed seven lead basketball executives and four head coaches. Harris's group bought the New Jersey Devils in 2013, and in 13 seasons, the Devils made just three playoff appearances and won just one series—a serious drought for a franchise with three Stanley Cup titles to its credit. Harris inherited legendary general manager Lou Lamoriello, who handed his duties to an underling in 2015. Harris is now on his fourth general manager with the Devils. He has employed six head coaches and made three in-season coaching changes.
That record in the other two American sports franchises he owns would suggest Harris isn't afraid of change. That's good. A willingness to admit mistakes should be a trait of a good owner. But if Quinn is ousted after his third season, wouldn't the start to Harris's stewardship feel—and it's scary to go here—a little Snyder-esque? Former owner Daniel Snyder fired only two coaches midseason—Norv Turner and Jay Gruden. His tenure, though, was defined by tumult: 10 head coaches over 25 seasons.
The way to avoid that: Have Quinn and his crew turn this season around. At this point, that might seem unlikely, but in the interest of distancing this franchise from the previous quarter-century, it would be the best outcome for everyone—from the quarterback to the fans.
Originally reported by theathleticuk.