Matt Ryan details what the Commanders are getting in new HC Dan Quinn
It's a new era for the Washington Commanders under new head coach Dan Quinn. And while many fans are skeptical about whether or not he is the right fit for the franchise, his former quarterback from his days with the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan, is here to calm some nerves. “Dan is an awesome coach […]
It's a new era for the Washington Commanders under new head coach Dan Quinn.
And while many fans are skeptical about whether or not he is the right fit for the franchise, his former quarterback from his days with the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan, is here to calm some nerves.
“Dan is an awesome coach and I loved my time with him in Atlanta,” Ryan said when asked by reporters what the Commanders are getting in Quinn, via Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. “I think they’re going to get somebody who has great energy, day in and day out. Really good energy. One of his greatest strengths is building the right culture, and in my opinion, that is what’s needed in Washington. I think he’ll do an excellent job. I like the staff he's starting to put together. They’ll be a team that’s going to play hard, and that’s kind of the hallmark of what he believes in. He knows how to motivate guys extremely well."
Ryan spent five and half seasons playing for Quinn (2015-20).
His best season under Quinn came in 2016 when he won league MVP and led the Falcons to an appearance in Super Bowl LI.
Additionally, with Quinn in charge, Ryan took the team to two more post-seasons, he earned two more Pro Bowl invites and one All-Pro nod.
"He makes guys comfortable," Ryan said. "Free to be themselves. Free to play the way that they're capable of. I'm pumped for him and [his wife] Stacey."
Quinn's ability to form relationships and truly bond with his players is what makes him such a likable coach and that skill will be extra crucial as Washington enters a rebuilding phase — though Quinn is not a fan of that word as we learned during his opening presser.
The Commanders, who hold the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft, will spend their offseason searching for their future franchise quarterback. But don't be surprised if Ryan ends up in Washington as a veteran backup.
Despite how things abruptly ended in Atlanta for Quinn back in 2020, Ryan and him still keep in touch
"I’m happy for Dan," Ryan said. "And I really think he deserved another opportunity as a head coach and I think it’s a really great fit with Washington.”
Commanders HC Dan Quinn answers biggest question in opening press conference
Will Quinn call plays?
