ASHBURN, Va. – After leaving the Georgetown hotel in Washington D.C., Dan Quinn was sure that he wanted to collaborate with Washington Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters and the team’s leadership, including owner Josh Harris and his partners.

“I remember feeling anxious because I really wanted the job,” Quinn shared on Thursday about the wait between his interview and receiving the offer. “I was just thinking, ‘Man, I hope they call.’”

On that same Tuesday, Ben Johnson was set for an in-person interview. However, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, who was in high demand for the second consecutive hiring cycle, withdrew his name before the Commanders could meet him in Detroit.

Nearly a year later, the No. 6 seed Commanders and the No. 1 Lions are clashing in the NFC divisional round this Saturday.

“No irony at all,” Johnson remarked when asked about Washington’s interest in him last year. “They have skilled coaches, talented players, and they’ve achieved quite a bit this season, making them a formidable opponent, which we certainly respect.”

By choosing to stay on with Lions head coach Dan Campbell for another season, Johnson led the NFL’s most potent offense. Meanwhile, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, alongside a transformed culture initiated by Quinn and smart acquisitions by Peters, has facilitated a major turnaround for the franchise.

“After leaving the interview, I realized these are the kind of people I want to work with,” Quinn stated. “Over the past 11 months, they have more than proven that.”

Quinn felt an instinctive pull towards the organization’s environment, indicating it was a place he wanted to be part of and the kind of people he wanted to collaborate with.

It’s not unusual for coaching candidates to withdraw themselves from consideration. Quinn did the same after his first season as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Sometimes a candidate senses that someone else is preferred for the position or recognizes that the fit isn’t right.

Months later, Johnson shared his own insights on his decision.

“The circumstances have to be just right,” Johnson explained in a May press conference. “I’m not going to pursue another option just for the sake of it. I truly enjoy what I’m doing now. My family loves our situation, and I appreciate the people I’m working with. I won’t stray unless I feel confident about where it’s headed.”

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo indicated during a Seattle radio show that Johnson did not interview as effectively as Quinn. Commanders’ leadership was reportedly ready to board a plane to interview Johnson again just as he declined their offer. Johnson later clarified that he felt he had goals to accomplish with the Lions. After previous stints with the Miami Dolphins and during Matt Patricia’s challenging years in Detroit, he was finally enjoying success.

“I wanted to enjoy the winning a while longer,” Johnson mentioned.

He also noted the importance of stability and predicted that several of the eight available coaching jobs from the previous year would likely open again in a few seasons.

This commitment to continuity helped the Lions achieve an offense that ranked first in scoring (33.2 points per game), and Johnson’s name has resurfaced as a desirable candidate for one of the six remaining head-coaching vacancies (the New England Patriots recently hired Mike Vrabel).

Quinn often reiterates one of his favorite principles: tackling challenging situations alongside commendable individuals.

“These people have shown themselves to be fantastic,” Quinn remarked. “That’s precisely what you seek when you’re melding your career with others. You want a collaborative spirit in how work gets done. I feel that unwavering support from Adam daily, and Josh shares that sentiment whenever we connect. That’s incredibly significant.”

The Commanders admired Quinn’s readiness to learn from the shortcomings that led to his departure from the Atlanta Falcons after a 43-42 record and one heartbreaking Super Bowl loss, which culminated in him being dismissed just five games into his sixth season.

Whichever team secures Johnson will acquire a first-time head coach. His successful playbook may transfer with him, but the Lions’ roster will remain behind. Washington, however, has someone experienced in establishing a positive team culture, which was sorely needed following Ron Rivera’s final season—a disappointing 4-13 campaign marred by apathy and mired in issues related to former owner Dan Snyder.

“I didn’t witness the previous administration,” linebacker Bobby Wagner remarked on Thursday, “but I’ve heard various accounts.”

Wagner emphasized that “it all starts with the new energy” that has naturally emerged alongside a new ownership group, general manager, and coaching staff, paving the way for a “wait-and-see” period to understand the vision ahead.

“All these individuals are exceptional leaders dedicated to winning,” former Commanders cornerback Champ Bailey commented about the ownership group that includes NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. “That’s the foundation for a prosperous program. When you have that in place and empower the right people to excel at their roles, good outcomes will follow.”

The turnaround has occurred faster than even the most optimistic supporters of the franchise could have forecasted. Daniels, a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, is the primary factor behind the team’s successes in his first year.

“Once you’ve secured a quarterback, that success positively influences everyone,” Bailey noted.

Of course, Quinn’s influence is monumental.

“I believe (Quinn) has excelled in establishing his philosophy and the expectations for his team and its people,” Wagner, who played for Quinn from 2013-14 during his time as the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, stated. “He has also made the game enjoyable again—people appreciate that. Watching us play is exciting; there’s a palpable energy, joy, and cohesion within the team. I believe that stems from the leadership above.”

Wagner asserted that the essence of “togetherness” in team culture is critical.

“It’s not solely the most skilled team that prevails in the end,” the Super Bowl 48 champion pointed out. “It’s about which team performs best, remains connected, and shows selflessness. Your goal is to embody that ethos.”

The Commanders revel in their time spent together.

“Someone commented after our holiday party that it felt more like a reunion with friends than a workplace gathering,” Quinn mentioned prior to the start of the playoffs.

Last year, Johnson took himself off the guest list for the party. This year, he can join the festivities and help celebrate in style.