WASHINGTON (7News) — The search is over. The Washington Commanders have named Dan Quinn as their new head coach, a source tells 7News’ sports anchor Scott Abraham.
Quinn comes to Washington from the Dallas Cowboys where he was the defensive coordinator. He has previous experience as an NFL head coach, guiding the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl.
RELATED | Washington Commanders fire head coach Ron Rivera after tough season
The 7News Sports Team has spoken with multiple D.C. media members since the news broke.
“Ben Johnson pulling out of it certainly has an impact, Bobby Slowik deciding to stay with the Houston Texans certainly has an impact,” David Harrison with Sports Illustrated FanNation told 7News Sports Reporter Natalie Spala. “Without a doubt you can say that the experience that Dan Quinn had and likely what he spoke about those experiences with the interview group led to this decision ultimately.”
“It shouldn’t come as a surprise,” Commanders Insider Lake Lewis Jr. told Spala. “I think that they want someone who has great leadership qualities, which obviously he does, and he has been successful as a defensive coordinator at all of his stops.”
Commanders mega-fan, Ted Abela (known as Tailgate Ted) told Spala he has seen a mixed reaction from the fanbase on the Quinn hire.
“Well, you’ve got your blind Homers that are [saying] ‘this is a 10, this is amazing, bring the Lombardi Trophy here now,'” Abela said. “Then, you’ve got your Ben Johnson crowd that are saying ‘this is the worst hire.’ And then you’ve got those of us who have faith in Adam Peters.”
It’s somewhat of a homecoming for Quinn, who graduated from Salisbury University. He also started his coaching career at William & Mary.
“He knows the area. Let’s show him some of that D.C. love,” Abela added.
Quinn’s appointment fills the last head coach vacancy in the NFL and marks almost a month since Commanders’ owner Josh Harris fired Ron Rivera.
Initially, a source previously told 7News’ Abraham that the Washington team was already eyeing Quinn as its new leader. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was also considered a top candidate.
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