What Makes Dan Quinn a ‘Players Coach’? Commanders’ Vet Tress Way Discusses 1st Chat With Washington Boss

The Washington Commanders veteran punter Tress Way had some words of praise for coach Dan Quinn. The Commanders hired Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be their next coach this February. Quinn replaced Ron Rivera, who was fired just a day after the 2023 season by the new owner Josh Harris.

As this will be Quinn’s first stint as the Commanders’ coach, he wished to meet and see his team in a special team meeting on April 3. And one of his players, punter Way, is excited and happy to talk to him.

Tress Way and Dan Quinn are becoming friends?

In a recent talk with NFL reporter Scott Abraham, Tress Way happily talked about his excitement for the new season and that too with his new coach Dan Quinn. Abraham shared the interview video on his official X account, tweeting: “Tress Way is the most optimistic guy you will find in an NFL locker room. He is so fired up for this new season with new head coach Dan Quinn. I asked Tress about the new personality’s in the locker room and his interactions with Quinn.”

When Way was asked about the challenges of bringing together a locker room with so many players, he emphasized that each player brings unique strength and experiences from their career, making it important to get to know each other personally. Additionally, the punter was asked about his views on the Commanders’ new coach Dann Quinn, and his first talk with him. Abraham asked, “Over the last couple of months, we’ve talked to a lot of players that have played for DQ (Dan Quinn) previously, studied a players coach in your, in your limited interaction with DQ. What have you picked up on? What is it that stood out about DQ for you?”

To which, Way replied, “I texted him as soon as he got the job, to congratulate him and he was just like, hey can I give you a call? And we just chatted real quick…..we chatted for close to 20 or 25 minutes. And I’ve been three minutes of it was about football and all he asked was how I got into the league and that was just, let’s just cool. Like I just got to sit there and chat with my new head coach up in his office and just the questions he asked and like and I got to ask him some questions and it was always remembered that those are a cool way to kind of start this relationship and friendship.”

This statement from Way suggests that the players love him, and his ability to create a strong culture is one of the strengths of Quinn. Besides Tress Way, everyone is happy to have Quinn on their side, and eager to play under him. However, in the meantime, the coach has started working on his responsibilities and team, and foremost among them is his interest in his quarterback and his performance.

Quinn wants to confuse his quarterback?

As per ESPN, Dan Quinn is likely emphasizing the importance of confusing the quarterback in his defensive strategies. This philosophy also influences his approach to finding a quarterback for his team. Quinn believes that the quarterback is the primary target of the defense, so he looks for certain qualities in a signal-caller. While Commanders’ GM Adam Peters will ultimately make the decision, Quinn plays a significant role in selecting the QB with the no. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

This marks Quinn’s first time leading the search for a quarterback as a head coach. He has decided to value mental and physical toughness, accuracy and arm strength in a quarterback, but he also focuses on their ability to process information quickly.

Quinn wants to see if a quarterback can recognize defensive schemes and adjust during the play, especially when faced with unexpected challenges like unblocked blitzers.

Read more: Dan Quinn Provides Insights on How to Create a “Kick A**” Defense, as Commanders HC Looks to Elevate a Perennial Good Front