In the ever-evolving gridiron battlefield, the Washington Commanders have enlisted a new head drill sergeant – Dan Quinn. And this former Falcons headman isn’t just bringing X’s and O’s, he’s packing an entire warfare manual lifted straight from the Andy Reid playbook.

During a recent media session before Day 2 of Commanders Rookie Minicamp, Quinn made a candid admission – his coaching philosophy going forward will mirror that of the legendary Reid. “One of my favorite parts is the teaching aspect…being hands-on so you can immediately give feedback,” Quinn stated. “I think the best of the best coaches don’t have to wait to go inside for the film if the step was wrong or the communication was wrong you can address it right now”

This revelation shouldn’t come as a total shocker. After getting pink-slipped by the Falcons midway through 2020, the 53-year-old Quinn reportedly hit the proverbial reset button. And who better to emulate than the mentor who helped mold quarterbacks like Brett Favre, Michael Vick, and most recently, Patrick Mahomes into household names? As Reid himself explained to pressors during the weeks of Super Bowl LV, “I look at myself, as a teacher of, in my case, men.”

Both coaches stressed the “teaching” part of the world of football. But, that is not all, the veteran teachers also underlined the vitality of communication. Reid particularly added, “Communication becomes important…if you keep it open and real, I think that’s the best way to roll..I think if you tell the person the truth, whether it’s a positive with their personality or play, or a negative with their personality or play”

By embracing this approach of direct yet constructive feedback, Quinn aims to foster an environment where players are empowered to reach their full potential. As Reid elaborated, “I’m in a business where these guys want to be the best, that’s what they want to do. Then, the thing I’ve found with great players is they want you to give them one more thing so they can even be greater.” An approach that will play a crucial role in Quinn’s rise at the Commanders’ camp.

Dan Quinn’s evolution from Falcons’ fall to Commanders’ rise

In classic hero’s journey fashion, the narrative of Dan Quinn’s coaching career has taken him from the depths of personal failure to the opportunity for redemption in our nation’s capital. His previous tenure in Atlanta flamed out spectacularly, getting blown out in Super Bowl 51 before eventually getting canned two years later.

With a fresh start and new organizational philosophies aligned from ownership down, this reborn Quinn 2.0 version is attacking his reclamation project with valuable lessons absorbed. “Better connection between coaches and players” is one core tenet, allowing him to “coach people to the depth of those relationships,” as reported by Sports Illustrated.

Moreover, Quinn is determined to cultivate an authentic spirit of competition within the team. As he elaborated, “Whether it’s in the weight room, doing workouts, talking trash, having fun, pushing each other to see where it can get to, that’s where the real competition is.”

Quinn’s rebirth has also instilled an authentic spirit of competition. It’s that deeply invested, player-centric mindset that could elevate the Commanders from annual also-rans to legitimate contenders in the reenergized NFC East.