The Washington Commanders are keeping head coach Dan Quinn at the helm for the foreseeable future, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Despite a dismal 1-4-1 record and a bye week that had fans calling for change, the organization is not ready to pull the plug just yet.
Quinn's seat has been scorching after a string of late-game blunders. In Week 5, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels took a critical sack in overtime against the New York Giants, costing the team a golden chance to win. A week later, the Commanders suffered another clock-management disaster against the San Francisco 49ers, leaving many to question if Quinn had lost control.
One particular moment against the 49ers drew scrutiny when Quinn appeared to be unaware of the down on a fourth-and-2 from the 13-yard line. Quinn, however, insisted he knew exactly what was happening. "No, I definitely knew it was fourth down," Quinn told reporters. "We were going for it, and I was — I think what you're referring to, I was probably saying like, with the illegal shift, there's not a penalty to go for a field goal. Like, it doesn't go, like — it's the turn on downs. I think somebody had asked me, 'Can we kick a field goal?' So, no, we were going for it. We knew we had to go for some fourth downs to be bold in the game."
Despite the public outcry, Rapoport reports that owner Josh Harris is not inclined to make a mid-season coaching change. "It's clear he did not lose the locker room. Josh Harris doesn't like firing a coach mid-season," Rapoport said. "It seems like based on this effort on the field, Dan Quinn is going to stick around the foreseeable future. The long-term future is still in question."
While Quinn's immediate job appears safe, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo indicated that the team is expected to "make some tweaks" before their Week 8 matchup. These adjustments could involve coaching staff or game-planning changes, but a full overhaul is off the table for now.
The Commanders remain in last place in the NFC East, but their schedule offers a glimmer of hope. Upcoming games against the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants in early November could provide a path back into contention. As the NFC East's struggles continue, Washington could still make a move.
If Quinn can't turn things around in the next month, however, his tenure in Washington will likely come to an end. The bye week may have provided a reprieve, but the pressure is mounting. For now, Quinn remains the man in charge, but the clock is ticking.
Fans are left wondering if this decision is a vote of confidence or just a delay of the inevitable. Either way, the Commanders are sticking with their coach for the moment.
