Where Does Commanders' Dan Quinn Rank Among NFL Head Coaches?

After a promising 2024 season and a disappointing 2025, where does Washington's head coach stand in the league hierarchy?

Apr. 13, 2026 at 8:51am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of burgundy, gold, and grey, depicting a football game or coaching scene broken down into sharp, overlapping planes, conceptually representing the ups and downs of Dan Quinn's time as Commanders head coach.A cubist illustration captures the highs and lows of Dan Quinn's tenure as Washington Commanders head coach.Washington Today

Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn had a rollercoaster first two seasons, leading the team to a 12-5 record and NFC Championship appearance in 2024 before a 5-12 collapse in 2025. With a 17-17 regular-season record and 2-1 playoff mark, Quinn is ranked 20th among all 32 NFL head coaches by NBC Sports' Patrick Daugherty.

Why it matters

Quinn's future in Washington hinges on how the Commanders perform in 2026 after last year's disappointing season. The ranking provides insight into how Quinn is viewed around the league, with his strengths as a player-friendly coach balanced against questions about his ability to sustain success and make necessary adjustments.

The details

After a promising 12-5 season and NFC Championship Game appearance in 2024, the Commanders fell to 5-12 in 2025 amid injuries and roster issues. Quinn, hired in 2024, now has a 17-17 regular-season record and 2-1 playoff mark. NBC Sports' Patrick Daugherty ranked Quinn 20th out of 32 NFL head coaches, noting the 2024 season 'felt a little too good to be true' before the 2025 collapse. Quinn made changes this offseason, firing defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and promoting David Blough to offensive coordinator.

  • Quinn was hired as Commanders head coach in 2024.
  • In 2024, Quinn led Washington to a 12-5 record and NFC Championship Game appearance.
  • In 2025, the Commanders fell to a 5-12 record.

The players

Dan Quinn

The head coach of the Washington Commanders, who has a 17-17 regular-season record and 2-1 playoff mark in his first two seasons.

Adam Peters

The general manager of the Washington Commanders, who hired Dan Quinn as head coach in 2024.

Joe Whitt Jr.

The former defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, who was fired by Dan Quinn after the 2025 season.

David Blough

The new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, promoted by Dan Quinn after the 2025 season.

Daronte Jones

The new defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, hired by Dan Quinn after the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“Even though it felt flimsy, I wanted to believe in the power of positivity. It just goes to show. That free lunch was paid for and then some in 2025, where Washington again became the football town where every good deed promptly gets punished.”

— Patrick Daugherty, NBC Sports Writer

What’s next

The Commanders' performance in the 2026 season will be crucial for Quinn's future as head coach in Washington.

The takeaway

Dan Quinn faces a pivotal 2026 season after a rollercoaster first two years in Washington. His ability to bounce back from the 2025 collapse and build on the 2024 success will determine if he remains the long-term answer as the Commanders' head coach.