Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn met with the media ahead of their first OTA offseason workout. He provided insight into what the team will be looking for during this time of year and what they are working towards in 2026.
Many of the questions centered around star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Quinn was asked early on what he has seen so far from Daniels as he enters year three and is looking for a bounce-back season.
“I always notice and admire him, just like the work ethic, coming back to get it right,” Quinn stated. His mental quickness…is always something that just jumps out to me, like learning a system so quickly and fast. I think I saw that a few years ago, and I’m feeling those same instincts now, as you guys will see at practice…it’ll look differently, you’ll see him under center more, but you see the same intent, the same communication…he makes things that are difficult look easy.”
Quinn’s assessment of Daniels was then followed up with a question of whether he thinks that Jayden has something to prove this season.
“That’s a question for him,” Quinn prefaced, “but I would say, what he, his teammates, his coaches know, this is a relentless competitor. One of the traits I admire the most about him is his ability to deliver in clutch moments…That’s something that goes with the work and the preparation…I think just his competitive nature almost answers that it’s all the time, that he’s always, you know, wanting to prove and get to that space.”
Quinn mentioned that the one thing he’s looking for specifically from Daniels is urgency on offense. He highlighted that he wants to see even more command over the huddle and for Daniels to get everyone on the same page as fast as he does.
Dan Quinn Impressed By Washington Commanders’ New Coordinators
The Commanders made several notable changes to their coaching staff this offseason. They moved on from former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., replacing them with David Blough and Daronte Jones. When asked about his early assessment of Blough and Jones, Quinn stated that he was pleased and impressed. Quinn explained that OTAs are now a chance for the team to refresh, assess, and refine the new systems they’ve been installing.
Throughout the press conference, Quinn stated his goals for each side of the ball during this time of year.
On offense, it’s about efficiency on early downs and striking a balance between the run and pass. Quinn acknowledged that he doesn’t necessarily expect the offense to always land on a perfect 50-50 split between the two, but that he wants them to dictate their choice and keep the defense uneven.
As for the defensive side, it’s about getting players in the proper position. Quinn emphasized speed for their team, noting that while they won’t be moving at “game-speed,” he wants the defense to be as quick as possible in alignment to help bridge the gap when they are at full go.
Commanders’ Rookies Earning More Opportunities
One of the final questions was specifically about balancing the amount of repetitions that Antonio Williams and Sonny Styles will have provided for them, vs. still making them compete and earn them.
Quinn explained that “during this time of year, what are you competing in, and what does that look like? In Antonio’s spot, it’s the route, it’s the movements, it’s the catching, you know, when he’s targeted. He’ll work with a number of different groups as we go through the process.”
“As far as Sonny goes, it’s different. You’re not going to see his plays on the ball, but can we see the burst, the movement, and as a linebacker…we want to feel his communication.”
Quinn elaborated that everyone gets reps this time of year, but that they’re not all the same. He also made clear that Williams and Styles have earned the space to get more reps.
Washington will continue their voluntary OTA work in spurts until June 11th, before Mandatory Minicamp begins on June 16th.
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