WASHINGTON — It's a new beginning for the Washington Commanders: new ownership, new general manager and now, a new head coach. Dan Quinn is leaving Dallas to take over the reins of a Washington Commanders team, starving to taste some success. A man that knows him better than most says Coach Quinn is the right man for the job.
“You’re talking about trying to change things, change a culture that’s been there for a long time,” Matt Ryan said. “I think Dan is the perfect guy for that.”
Former NFL Quarterback Matt Ryan spent over five seasons with Coach Quinn during his time in Atlanta as head coach. Under Quinn, Ryan had his most successful season as a pro in 2016 when he was named league MVP. WUSA9 Sports Anchor Desmond Purnell asked the former Falcons Quarterback what impressed him most about Coach Quinn during their time in Atlanta? Ryan said it was Quinn’s consistency.
“He’s got this incredible energy and level of positivity that’s there constantly,” Ryan said. “You can fake that for a short amount of time, but you can’t fake that for four and half seasons.
Prior to Quinn becoming the head coach of the Falcons in 2014, Atlanta was 6 and 10. Two seasons later, they were in the Super Bowl. Ryan believes Quinn can have similar success here in D.C.
“Dan would always preach this mindset of becoming the best practicing organization in the world,” Ryan said. “The effort in which we practiced, the intensity in which we practiced, the focus that was there – we created this mindset, which started with Dan, practices are going to be harder than the actual game.”
Ryan says Quinn will have no problem winning over the Commanders locker room, but winning the upcoming draft will be equally as important.
“You have to find a quarterback,” Ryan said. “ You have to make the determination whether Sam Howell is the guy moving forward or if one of these guys from college will be the backbone of your organization moving forward.”
WATCH NEXT: