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This week, we’re interested in your thoughts on the recent coaching hires, including the defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, and head coach.
Defensive Coordinator: Joe Whitt
Whitt joined the Cowboys in 2021 alongside Dan Quinn, following their collaboration during the 2020 season with the Atlanta Falcons. He also has a strong history with Mike McCarthy from their time together at the Green Bay Packers. In Dallas, Whitt played a crucial role in the defensive unit’s success, particularly in generating pressure on quarterbacks and forcing turnovers. Now, at 45 years old, he will take on the challenge of coordinating an entire defense for the first time.
Offensive Coordinator: Kliff Kingsbury
Known for his pass-heavy spread offenses, Kingsbury’s coaching style has evolved to incorporate a stronger emphasis on the running game during his tenure with the Cardinals. Under his leadership, Arizona’s offense consistently ranked in the top 10 in yardage and points scored over multiple seasons, showcasing his ability to adapt and succeed at the NFL level.
On January 14th, 2012, the scene unfolds at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. With just 14 seconds remaining on the clock, the 49ers are trailing by three points and facing a critical third down. They urgently require a score to prolong their playoff aspirations, aiming to avoid the uncertainty of overtime. Conversely, the Saints have the opportunity to seal the game with a decisive turnover.
As a head coach, Kingsbury compiled a 28-37-1 record with the Cardinals. While his coaching track record has been inconsistent at both the professional and collegiate levels, the 44-year-old notably mentored quarterbacks such as two-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech and Kyler Murray with the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, he crossed paths with the new Commanders GM Peters during their time with the 2003 Patriots.
KingsburyKingsbury’s coaching style is well-suited for a mobile, first-round quarterback. Following his departure from Arizona last year, he took on an advisory role at USC, establishing a connection with potential No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams.
Head Coach Dan Quinn brings a wealth of experience to the Commanders, having served as Atlanta’s head coach during the team’s appearance in the 2016 Super Bowl and previously as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks during their back-to-back Super Bowl runs, including the renowned “Legion of Boom” era in 2013. Critics point out that Atlanta’s success coincided with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s tenure and declined after his departure for San Francisco. Quinn’s final game with the Falcons, a 48-32 playoff loss to Green Bay, left a less-than-ideal impression.
During his introductory press conference, Peters emphasized that the selection of a head coach would prioritize leadership qualities over specific offensive or defensive expertise. Testimonials from players like Parsons underscore why Quinn fits this criterion.
Quinn’s coaching journey began in the DMV area, where he coached at William & Mary, Virginia Military Institute, and Hofstra before joining the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive quality control coach. He then ascended to his first coordinator role with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013, overseeing one of the league’s most formidable defenses. The Seahawks’ defense under Quinn’s guidance was characterized by an impressive turnover rate, leading the league with 63 turnovers over two seasons and ranking first in various defensive categories such as fewest yards allowed, points allowed, and passing yards allowed.
In his most recent stint as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys from 2021 to 2023, Quinn’s unit consistently ranked in the top 10 in key defensive metrics, including net yards per attempt, takeaways, and points allowed.
