Dan Quinn Arrives Before Dawn to Meet Kliff Kingsbury, His Offense Coordinator
Washington Commanders’ Head Coach Dan Quinn and his offense coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, have been working together since May, and their close bond is paying off.
Quinn arrives before dawn at the team’s facility in Ashburn, Virginia, and Kingsbury’s car is usually already there by then. On practice days, the two are often on the field together, working through game plans and visualizing their strategy.
Kingsbury’s approach has led to remarkable results. The team’s rookie quarterback, 24-year-old quarterback Jayden Daniels, has thrown for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns with just nine interceptions this season. He has also run for 891 yards and six touchdowns, leading the Commanders to their first NFC Championship Game in 33 years.
Daniels credits Kingsbury’s guidance for his success, saying, “Like I said, the best lesson in life is failure. So, I get to fail in those type of situations and move forward. So, by the time game time comes, I’m not thinking about it. (I’m) just going out there and playing.”
Kingsbury, who was the head coach at Arizona and Texas Tech before joining the Commanders, has a reputation for developing quarterback talent. He worked with Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray, among others, to help them reach their full potential.
Quinn believes that Kingsbury’s guidance has been “phenomenal” for Daniels, saying, “He means a lot, obviously, just for my development and my growth from the day I stepped foot here to this point now.”
The two have developed a close relationship, and Kingsbury has adjusted his approach to accommodate Daniels’ preferences. They have also incorporated virtual reality simulations and allowed team members to suggest plays for the game plan.
Despite their early struggles, the duo has shown an ability to adapt and adjust. Daniels has led the Commanders to five fourth-quarter comebacks this season, showcasing his calm demeanor and preparation.
Kingsbury praises Daniels’ work ethic, saying, “The poise, the work ethic throughout the week, the mentality doesn’t waver. I mean, he shows up the same time every morning, every morning early, and puts in the same work he did the week before, in the previous 16 weeks. He’s very consistent in his approach and has been since he got here.”
As the team prepares for the NFC Championship Game, Kingsbury’s guidance will be crucial in helping Daniels succeed. The two have set a standard for hard work and intensity, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of greatness.
