Commanders Final Coach Pick: Cowboys' Dan Quinn or Lions' Ben Johnson?
With wisdom, we think, the Washington Commanders are not trying to find a new head coach who "fits a mold." As just-hired general manager Adam Peters put it, “We're looking for the best leader for this team, for the Washington Commanders. And so, we have set criteria that we're going to have it be aligned in that vision.''
Vision is good. But as the search narrows - with the possibility that it might come down to, say, Ben Johnson vs. Dan Quinn? It's encouraging to hear the open-mindedness coming from new owner Josh Harris' club.
Added Peters: "It's not going to be in a box. It's not going to be offense, it's not going to be defense. It's going to be the best leader for this organization.”
Should the team shift away from defensive-minded leadership because that was ex-coach Ron Rivera's leaning? No, because that would mean possibility missing out on the strengths of Quinn, the Dallas Cowboys defensive boss.
Does the new coach need a resume that was filled with head coaching experience, as Rivera had? No, because that would be a black mark on Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Johnson.
Johnson seems like the favorite here, and we will know more after Sunday, when his Lions play at the 49ers in the NFC title game. But CowboysSI.com is reporting that Quinn might end up being a finalist here, too, along with him being a top candidate in Seattle.
Quinn is set for another interview. More visits could be scheduled to be held after the AFC and NFC Championship Games. Most importantly, on a positive note: Washington is going to get its man ... and the profile is "leadership."
