Matt Ryan is delighted to see his old mentor land a new head coaching gig with the Washington Commanders this summer. The NFL analyst just gave a powerful endorsement for Dan Quinn when he was interviewed in Las Vegas as he was getting ready for the Super Bowl.
Ryan believes that Quinn is the right man to run the show for the Washington Commanders because of his “good energy,” which will benefit the team in the long run, starting next season.
“Dan is an awesome coach, and I love my time with him in Atlanta,” said Ryan. “I think they’re going to get somebody who has great energy day in and day out.”
“One of his greatest strengths is building the right culture, and in my opinion, that is what’s needed in Washington. I think they’ll do an excellent job. I like the staff they’re starting to put together,” he added.
Matt Ryan and Dan Quinn’s time together in the NFL
It was with Dan Quinn that former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan enjoyed the most successful run over his 15-year NFL career. They were together from 2015 to 2020, which included a run to Super Bowl LI, where they suffered a devastating loss against the New England Patriots.
Following a 0–5 start in 2020, Dan Quinn was let go by the Atlanta Falcons, where he ended his tenure with a 43–42 regular-season record. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was named the interim head coach at the time.
After Quinn’s firing, Ryan stayed with the Atlanta Falcons for one more year before playing his final season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. The 2016 NFL Most Valuable Player is now an analyst for CBS Sports.
Dan Quinn has his work cut out for him in Washington
Before joining the Washington Commanders, Dan Quinn was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Under Quinn, the Dallas Cowboys were one of the best defensive teams in the NFL in 2023 (fifth in total defense).
Quinn will be tasked with doing something similar for the Washington Commanders, who were dead last in passing defense (262.2 pass yards allowed) and 27th in rushing defense (126.8 rush yards allowed).