Dan Quinn. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Insider explains why Commanders hired Dan Quinn over Bill Belichick

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/2/24

Shortly after it was learned on Thursday that the Washington Commanders were hiring former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their new head coach, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick "was considered" for the Washington job:

During the hiring process in Washington, Bill Belichick was considered for the job, per sources. The Commanders spoke with him and he had support from some decision makers. In the end, Dan Quinn is their choice.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 1, 2024

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter spoke during a Thursday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" about why Washington ultimately chose Quinn over Belichick.

"I know the Commanders felt like they got more calls and more texts unsolicited about Dan Quinn with positive messages from people than they got from any other candidate," Schefter explained, according to Jason Ounpraseuth of NESN. "And that’s just the way it kind of went."

NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reported on Wednesday afternoon that Washington team sources revealed that new Commanders owner Josh Harris and new general manager Adam Peters had "concerns about everything from Belichick's age (71) to his willingness to work under a GM who will have control over personnel, to whether he'd even want to take on what could be a years-long rebuilding job."

On Thursday, Schefter said those running the Commanders love that Quinn "is high energy" compared to somebody with Belichick's famous demeanor.

"They hired Dan Quinn because they believe in him as a leader," Schefter said during the segment. "They believe in him as a man. They believe that other people are spot-on in what they say about Dan Quinn, who had been a finalist for other head coaching jobs."

Schefter added that the Commanders "feel like they got a whole energetic, upbeat, positive guy stepping into Washington to try to help lead that team into the future."

While every franchise that had a head-coaching vacancy from this past fall through Feb. 1 has now filled those jobs, Belichick could have one final opportunity to join a club this winter.

Rumors continue to hover over the Kansas City Chiefs suggesting that Andy Reid could retire if Kansas City defeats the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. It's thought the Chiefs replacing one legend with another could help keep them a contender through at least the end of Belichick's coaching career, but it's unclear if Reid is looking for a walkoff win ahead of his 66th birthday that he'll celebrate in March.

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