Head Coach Dan Quinn provided an extensive update on the team’s preparation for the upcoming season, emphasizing the critical blend of returning second-year players with new additions. As the team ramps up, Quinn praised the continuity of the coaching staff and the disciplined work ethic of the players, all of which contribute to the team’s growing chemistry. A special moment during offseason activities was former Washington running back Brian Mitchell visiting with the returners. Mitchell, who amassed over 19,000 return yards and 13 special teams touchdowns in his NFL career, shared valuable insights with the players about the art of returning kickoffs, despite only starting as a returner once he reached the professional level.
Cool to spend time with you as this time of year gets started. One of the main topics that we talk about is the focus on the blending of year one and year two players, you know, as they’ve been part of the system. I think one key factor in that, a little bit of the straw that stirs the drink, that’s the coaches cause like this time of year, you know, it’s so much about them and their time to shine and the teaching and the emphasis that has to be put in and teaching those systems on, you know, all three phases. And so, to have, you know, the crew back, that doesn’t happen very often. I wanna just take a minute and say how much I appreciate that and them because I really do. And then it was also a cool day [Former Washington RB] Brian Mitchell came through and spent some time with returners today. With over 19,000 return yards and 13 special teams touchdowns, I had invited him in the winter, ‘hey man, do you mind coming through for a day and hanging out with us? And so couldn’t think of a more ideal person to share some insights and some ideas about returning. I’d asked him, he had not returned a kick until he got to the NFL. Now that was just wild man. Like how, what a work ethic it takes to say, yeah, I’ll figure it out. Like, I’ll find my way whether I’m playing running back or returning kicks or punts or covering kicks, like that’s a real one. So, all that said, let’s get rocking with you guys and start the day.
Jayden Daniels’ Leadership and Growth Evident During Offseason
Quinn expressed strong confidence in quarterback Jayden Daniels, highlighting his command of the offense and exceptional leadership both on and off the field. Daniels and his teammates have demonstrated tremendous commitment throughout the offseason, particularly in refining their skillsets and tactical understanding. The coach noted Daniels’ relentless drive to improve and his role as an inspiring presence within the locker room, noting that his dedication often goes beyond what is visible during practice sessions.
I know he is worked hard through the off season, but he’s just in command of the things that he wanted to work. He and his teammates, they’ve really put in a lot of work together. I’d say that probably is just, it’s felt excellent John [Keim], in terms of like the attitude of the guys and their work, you know, to really put it in. You can, you can sense when people are going for it and you know, he’s certainly one that is.
On Daniels’ personal development, Quinn remarked,
He’s an amazing teammate. The amount of work that he puts in that goes unseen here to get ready to play, to learn it, to teach others to, you know, connect the guys that’s going through. There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels. He’s an absolute like, as focused and relentless as you could about getting better. And so that’s why I said for us around here, like, man, we appreciate that and there’s a lot of things that, you know, he and the rest of us are really digging in hard on to say, all right, can we get this better? And if he does that, I do that others do that like we thought collectively and there’s a lot of space we can get better at.
Quinn on Flexible Player Accountability and Offseason Programs
Dan Quinn explained that the offseason has been highly productive for the team, a result of strong efforts made not only by the players but also the coaching staff. He emphasized an individualized approach towards player involvement in voluntary workouts, recognizing that a single model doesn’t suit everyone. Quinn shared that he remains in contact with every player and enjoys deepening relationships, which enables personalized development and stronger team cohesion as younger players advance into their second year.
I think it’s not one size fits all for everything. And in my opinion, like this has been a fantastic off season. And it’s not just the players, it’s also the coaches too, John [Keim], to say, can we level up, you know, and to level up, you know, what do you look at and what do you want to change, what do you wanna keep the same? And so, the off season’s been excellent. I’ve been in touch with every guy on the team and so I’ve really enjoyed this time. I also have some stronger relationships than you did maybe a year ago with everybody being new and now it’s that blend of the year two players to go through with it. It’s one of the things I do enjoy about coaching, like if you can get to know the man before the ball player, it helps take it and push it a little further. And so, for the guys who are the year one, the new players here, not just a rookie, but a new free agent that may have joined the team, getting to know them and watching them practice today for the first time. Like you could see guys work hard in the strength and conditioning, but it’s another thing to see the speed of processing and on the field. And so today we just did some seven on seven and some two minute and then we will add more team as we go. I like to ramp it up, you know, as opposed to doing everything all at once, day one.
Adapting Offensive Strategies Centered Around Jayden Daniels
With a full season of film on Daniels now available and the expertise of Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Quinn explained how the team is refining the playbook to better suit the quarterback’s strengths and leverage emerging talent. The focus includes enhancing specific football skills to elevate players from good to elite while exploring new scheme concepts across offense, defense, and special teams.
Yeah, well I would say there’s a lot of playbook that people haven’t seen, you know, number one. You know, featuring some new players and some into some different spots and how important that is to us Ben [Standig], to say what can unique players do and find the spots to do. I think Kliff is excellent at that. And so, as we’re going through, that’s what’s kind of fun about now exploring some new thoughts, some new ideas and some scheme while like sharpening on the things like can I go from, you know, really good at something to elite and to the best at this concept, this type of play, this footwork. And so, that’s what we spend a good bit of time doing. But there is also some exploring time on all three phases cause it’s one thing to put it on paper, it’s another thing to see it and move and what does it react and how does it look.
Sam Cosmi’s ACL Recovery Progress Update: A Strong Return Path
Coach Quinn provided an optimistic update on offensive lineman Sam Cosmi’s recovery from his ACL injury. Cosmi has demonstrated remarkable dedication to his rehabilitation, meeting every key milestone on schedule. Quinn highlighted the offensive lineman’s intense work ethic and mindset as integral to his advancement through recovery.
Yeah, Sam is doing excellent. Like he has really put the work in, he’s hitting all the markers that he’s supposed to. We’re not gonna miss one step along the process. But it starts with him, man, like just the, the everyday intensity that goes with it. There’s a like a work mindset that comes outta that and like, that’s important cause that’s who Sam is and he’s off to a really strong start hitting all the markers he’s supposed to up to now.
Continuous Communication with Management and Player Contract Updates
Regarding contract negotiations, Quinn described a strong, ongoing communication channel with General Manager Adam Peters. They frequently exchange updates on business matters alongside football strategies, ensuring alignment on team goals and player usage. No new contract extension updates were available for sharing at this time.
Yeah, it’s more like him keeping me up to date on the things, you know, and say this is what’s going on. And so that’s like the balance that we share back and forth, this is a scheme they practiced on the scripts, why we’re gonna put so and so at this spot to do things and he’ll hit me back on the same thing. So, it’s a nice balance to know we’re always gonna keep each other, you know, in the loop on the things. Whether it’s practice on my end giving him information or on the business side, him giving me insights about, you know, where things are, what we’re doing. It’s just nice to have that honestly to have that connection and being able to talk it through, so, we do talk about the team, you know, every day. And so, it’s not one topic you on the same day.
Tyler Biadasz and Offensive Line Competition Setting the Tone
Quinn emphasized the importance of competition within the offensive line, specifically pointing to center Tyler Biadasz as a key figure in the group‘s development. The focus during spring workouts has been on increasing strength, conditioning, and mental sharpness to accelerate decision-making speed on the field. This collective effort across offensive and defensive lines aims to boost the entire unit’s performance in upcoming training camp.
Yeah, I love the competition, you know, at a number of spots. Whether it’s the offensive line and you’ve got your first look at some groups today and there are some really deep groups that it’s gonna really foster excellent competition. And so, no different with Tyler, you know, in terms of directing it, we wanna hit on where are the important factors to go. For the big guys on both sides, this off season is important. It’s the strength, it’s the conditioning, it’s getting everything aligned just right, but their time really is in the training camp space. You know who to target, where to go and so that’s important so that I can play quickly. Like we’ve all heard of like speed of things. It’s like the speed of the read, how quick I can see something to go. And that’s what like this time the spring ball is about for the big guys, can I get it targeted where I’m supposed to get to? But I love that they are putting in the work together, o-line, d-line, the strength work, the conditioning work because if we can get that part up and then this time of year we’re building, you know, the understanding of the systems, it just allows everybody to play faster. And Tyler’s right in the middle of all that.
New Additions and Defensive End Deatrich Wise’s Early Impact
Defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., a new addition to the team, has impressed the coaching staff with his strong run-game skills and work ethic. Quinn noted that Wise’s reputation preceded him, with glowing recommendations from previous connections confirming his suitability for the squad. His ability to effectively play blocks and integrate quickly into the defensive scheme has been a major positive.
Yeah, and he had come with great recommendations, you know, from people that were in his past. When sometimes you get a text after you hire somebody and say, man, this guy is remarkable. Not before, but after you’ve already signed them, it’s usually a good sign and that was the case with he and with [CB] Jonathan [Jones]. It was easy to see how he would fit in here. He’s so strong playing blocks. He’s square. He’s had like excellent background in the run game, so for him to fit in, it was a very easy fit for us. This is what we know this player can do. This is what we’ve known about the work ethic and so he’s been off to a great start here.
Physical Conditioning and Strength Benchmarks Maintained by Players
Quinn touched on the physical condition of players like Daniels, noting that all are meeting targeted weight and body composition standards. Although no direct comparisons were made, Daniels’ fitness level aligns with the team’s expectations, supporting his readiness to perform at a high level throughout the season.
We haven’t like got like side by side in the mirror or anything, but like he’s doing great, honestly. I don’t know what else to share with you about that. He’s at the right markers that we want him to be. So, he and all the guys have, you know, certain weight and body composition that they’re all hitting for, so for him he’s in, you know, the space that he wants to go.
Coaching Staff Continuity Strengthens Team Cohesion
Maintaining much of the same coaching staff from the previous year is a rare achievement that Quinn sees as a significant advantage. The stable leadership allows for deeper understanding among coaches and players, accelerating development during the critical transition from the first to second year for many players. New additions like Assistant Special Teams Coach Brian Schneider also contribute fresh energy and expertise.
It’s a really big deal and that’s why I did lead off with that intentionally because I don’t think we’ve got a chance to really talk about that as much as I thought we would because looking back, for me it’s pretty rare. And we’ve also added [Assistant Special Teams Coach] Brian Schneider, somebody that, you know, I’ve had some experience with who is also another like true heavy hitter on the special team side. But I guess it fast tracks some of the things that we understand, but it also allows us probably to get a little deeper, you know, than we were in year one to get closer, better understanding of one another. And that’s been a big deal for me. So, year one to year two for a player is big. For coaches, it’s big too. And so, I really appreciate that.
Quinn also noted the importance of this continuity for rookie players progressing into their sophomore seasons.
Yeah, it’s really important. We wanted to keep, really the for lack of a better word I think [General Manager] Adam [Peters] may have shared with me, an ecosystem, you know, together of some really strong staff members that we feel excellent about. So, for some to decide to stay here when they had other opportunities not to, I think that speaks a lot of what they’re building collectively, you know, players and coaches together and so it meant a lot.
Maintaining Strong Communication with Key Veterans During Offseason
Quinn emphasized his commitment to staying connected with notable players such as wide receiver Terry McLaurin, defensive back Marshon Lattimore, and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil throughout the offseason, regardless of their presence at voluntary team activities. This ongoing dialogue ensures players stay engaged and aligned with the team’s objectives.
Yeah, just make it a point to stay in touch, in season, off season and just make sure that’s like my job to make sure, you know, everybody’s hitting the right markers of what we’re doing. And so those guys have been excellent in terms of the communication with me and I speak to Terry specifically, like he’s had a great off season.
Evaluating Player Skills and Tailoring Training Opportunities
During practice observations, Quinn looks for consistent progress in individual player skills and evaluates whether athletes are well-suited to certain positions. He also seeks to identify unique abilities that can fast-track a player’s integration into the system, illustrated by his curiosity about specialized routes or moves that players excel at. This thoughtful approach encourages players to articulate their strengths, supporting tailored coaching and game plan optimization.
Yeah, because it’s usually not something that we’ll see in one day, but it’s all these markers if you keep hitting it over time, then it’s okay, now I’ve got a broader sense of what that would look like. So you want to keep track of the things that individually players are doing, right. That looks strong. What if we gave him more reps at that spot? And we’re also learning some of the newest players here. What can they do that’s unique or specific to them? I can remember asking [WR] Deebo [Samuel], is there any specific route that’s not here that says, man, like this is one thing that like you’re excellent at and he goes, no. I said, well if it ever comes I’d like to know that, like if that goes for him or any other guys. But that was my way of pouring back into them knowing like there’s a lot of things that we’re learning, but you also can help fast track it by saying, this is one thing I can do better than anybody. And so whether it’s he or [DE] Deatrich [Wise Jr.] or others, I do prod a little bit, because they’re good dudes and they’re learning the system here. But I also wanna know, like, I’m interested in your background, I’m interested in what you’ve done. And so, I do that some with the rookies, but not as much. For them it’s more these are the principles of what we’re doing. Some of the other guys who played longer, they know themself better and they’ve done it at a high level. So, I’m usually one to ask that. I’ve learned a lot from players through the years and that hasn’t stopped.
Ongoing Staff Development Enhances Player Growth
Quinn views the offseason as a critical period not only for player advancement but for coaches as well. Improving coaching techniques, communication methods, and practice planning are priorities aimed at maximizing player potential. This mutual growth dynamic, where coaches and players elevate one another, is central to the team’s philosophy.
It does and that’s one of my big off-season goals, to see can we improve as a staff and like, well what does that mean Dan? What does that look like? It’s us improving to really help the players. And so for them to be at their very best, like we also have to be improving. You can see how that can work together. So, it’s not just this is what you need to do, it’s also us rising with them to take it to new spots, think of new ways, new techniques, new teaching methods, new ways to communicate it. And if we can improve and not just say, well let’s, you know, let me just take out what we did last year and put it down, but in fact improve ourselves as coaches, as a staff, then you got a chance to do some really cool things because it’s not just one person growing, you know, it’s the player and the staff and they feel that when the coach is digging in to find it. And the best of the best coaches man, like lie awake at night thinking like, how am I effing going to get this guy better? Family show, and there’s a lot of coaches here that do that to say, I’m gonna figure it out. And like, that’s what’s fun about this time. I said earlier it’s why it is their time to shine. Like there’s a lot of teaching that has to go on. These next three weeks are critical for the players that are still learning the system or trying to find a role. And so, we’ll find out a lot, everyday matters, the drills matter, the teach backs matter because we’re finding out a lot about ’em.
Key Coaching Principles Focus on Communication and Self-Awareness
Quinn shared that his favorite coaching tenets revolve around strong communication, effective planning for practice use, and continuous self-evaluation. He believes that self-awareness is essential in the development journey, as knowing one’s growth areas opens the door for targeted support and improvement.
Not a specific principle. Usually, it involves something with communication. We could all say that. There’s another piece that I dig into a lot on the planning. You know, how are you going to use the practice reps? How are you going to use this part of individual to work something? And then the last part is an evaluation. Okay, first with ourselves as coaches, what is it that you want to improve on? And then the next step, what are you doing? What is the actual work on? And if you can get that part right from the self-awareness, say this is something I want to improve on, then it’s much easier for me to assist and dig in to help back them on that.
Quinn’s Leadership Philosophy Centers on Empowering Players and Culture
Dan Quinn described his leadership style as centered on service and developing leaders within the team. He values a culture defined by collective responsibility and mutual support, where players seek to improve not just individually but by pushing each other. His coaching approach motivates players to embrace competition and personal accountability, fostering a team environment that thrives on elevated standards and shared goals.
I think one of the early parts of leading is that you think it’s, what can I do for them, you know, for that. And then as you really get closer to people, it’s developing the leaders from within. Because that to me, you’re talking about like the culture is like how we act together, you know, what are the things that we do on an everyday basis? So, I love that you guys saw us competing, like starting from bags and going through special teams and then a seven on seven with guys really going to strain. Like today’s practice for the first practice from afar would not have looked like a first practice, but that came from the players being ready and having that culture of like, hey man, like when we go out to do this, like let’s work on these specific things. And so, for me it’s more gas onto that to say, all right, how do we get the whole group better? By the attitude that they can bring for one another, and if they can look after one another and know what each other’s working on and improving upon, then there’s no limit to what you can become because it’s not reliant on one person watching you or you on your own figuring it out. It’s a whole network of people, like just supporting the hell out of you. And that to me is what we’re after and chasing. And this is absolutely the type of team that like, man, I’d want to play for and dying to coach for because they do really want to push one another to see how good they can get.
Relentless Team Mindset Focused on the Pursuit of Excellence
Quinn dismissed any notion that the team views itself as a victim or victimized competitor, instead reaffirming that they maintain the mindset of “hunters” always looking to gain ground and prove themselves. This determined perspective is evident not only during games but day-to-day workouts and interactions as the team strives to reach its highest potential.
We are always the hunters. Okay. Don’t go there. I know I’m cutting you off right before you get started. That way we don’t have to like get into are you the hunter, the hunted, like we are always the hunters.
He elaborated on how the team’s attitude shapes its approach to success and challenges ahead:
So we’ve got a lot to prove. And so, for us, that is what the hunting is. It’s the, it’s not something that’s going to be on at the end of the season. It’s right now about these next three weeks, we’ve got a couple weeks OTA’s and a mini camp and it’s like absolutely going after it as hard as we can to see how good we can get and then we’ll worry about training camp. But the hunter is a mindset, it’s an attitude of absolutely delivering and going for it. But that’s who we are. And that doesn’t change anything done previously. It’s just how we get down.