Dan Quinn interviewed for a job where the team lost their last nine games of 2023, and several were truly an embarrassing butt-whooping.’
He was named the head coach of the Washington Commanders, and one thing that jumped out to me was Quinn’s gratitude for getting another opportunity to be an NFL head coach.
Monday, he was asked by the local media if he’d reflected on this past year and how far he’s come.
“If I would reflect on that, man, I’d say I’ve honestly had a blast coaching this team because we’ve been working hard on our identity,” Quinn said Monday. “And to have a group that connected like they are, that’s a big deal because not every team has that.”
The fan base in the DMV certainly wanted better than 4-13 and better than the several blowouts Ron Rivera had last season, not being competitive. But no one expected this journey all the way to the NFC playoffs in the very first year for Quinn and first-year GM Adam Peters.
“For me to get to see a front row seat at that journey and be along on that ride with them, I’ve got a lot of gratitude for it. So, I would say probably the two things that come up for me are joy, because I’ve wanted to make sure the circumstances don’t determine that. I’m absolutely pumped to be here on the best of days and the hardest of days.”
Quinn doesn’t just say these things; he has displayed this occasionally this season. He is so positive, seeing the opportunities before him and the team. He exudes a confidence stemming from that joy that they can find a way to succeed.
On more than one occasion, the former Falcons head coach has gone out of his way to thank by name various coaches on his staff and various employees, such as the medical staff.
“I also have a lot of gratitude for what this team is and what they stand for. So, to me, those would be the two things looking back on it.”
As prolific author Tim Keller said in his last years, “It’s one thing to be grateful. It’s another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do.”
Quinn has exhibited the security to name names of others in the organization when giving thanks this year. He gives thanks publicly because inwardly, he is truly grateful.