A June report suggested some in the Washington Commanders organization had already started thinking about Sean McDermott as a possible future answer if Dan Quinn ever moved on. But according to a new update from ESPN’s John Keim, that chatter hasn’t turned into any real heat on Quinn as the team heads toward the 2026 season.
Keim reported that Quinn “has not been given an ultimatum leading into the 2026 season, according to multiple sources.” He also wrote that people who have worked for Josh Harris say that kind of approach doesn’t fit how the owner has operated in Washington or with his other pro teams, the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
Quinn took over in the winter of 2024 and immediately delivered a strong first year, leading Washington to a 12-5 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance. He also oversaw Jayden Daniels’ breakout campaign, with the 2024 first-round pick earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award honors. Last season told a much different story, though, as Daniels was limited to just seven starts because of injury problems and the Commanders finished 5-12.
Even with that slide, Keim said Quinn doesn’t appear to be coaching with a hot seat under him. One person who knows him well said Quinn “seems to have been invigorated by 2025's downturn,” and a team source familiar with management’s thinking said “the owners love the culture in the building and the direction Quinn has provided.”
Keim also noted that “no one would say Quinn's seat is hot entering the season, and one source said any pressure Quinn feels is self-induced.”
That said, NFL coaching situations can flip fast, especially for teams that miss the playoffs in back-to-back years. If Washington stumbles again, Quinn’s name could quickly get dragged into bigger speculation, especially with former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach and current NBC Sports personality Mike Tomlin potentially becoming available if he wants to coach again in January.
In Other News...
Commanders Have 5 Players Under Pressure In Dolphins Practice
Wednesdays joint practice with the Dolphins offers the Commanders a useful mid-August measuring stick, and for a handful of players it is a chance to make the next few days matter. Ahead of Fridays preseason game, Antonio Williams, Julian Good-Jones, Brandon Coleman, Sonny Styles and Mike Sainristil are all set to be watched closely as Washington sorts through roles, reps and roster value.
For players trying to carve out a place on the team, this is the kind of setting that can move the needle. The pace is sharper than a normal camp session and the evaluation is more direct, which is why this workout could be especially important for those five as they try to turn a practice opportunity into real playing time. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Left Joint Practice With One Early Problem They Cant Ignore
The Commanders got an early look at where they still need work in their joint practice with the Dolphins, and special teams stood out quickly as a problem area. Miami found room on kick returns, exposing Washingtons coverage unit and reminding everyone that the third phase of the game can swing momentum long before the offense or defense settle in.
Special teams coordinator Larry Izzo and the staff have time to clean it up, and they will need to, because the Commanders have several young, athletic players who could help stabilize that unit if they take to the job. Joint practices are built to surface issues like this before the games matter, and Washington came away with one of the less flattering reminders a coach can get. [Read more 🡒]
Commanders Suddenly Have A New Edge Rusher Worth Watching Closely
The Commanders defense turned in a strong showing during its joint practice against the Dolphins, and one of the more intriguing developments came from a player still trying to establish himself in the rotation. Javontae Jean-Baptiste, a 2024 seventh-round pick, flashed the kind of pass-rushing ability that can quickly get a coachs attention, especially for a young edge defender trying to carve out a role on a crowded roster.
Jean-Baptistes path has already included a long recovery from a season-ending injury, which makes any encouraging practice rep feel a little more meaningful for Washington. With competition at edge rusher still very much alive, his performance against Miami gave him a chance to separate himself, and it added another name to watch as the Commanders continue sorting out the back end of the roster. [Read more 🡒]