Report: Commanders considered 1 huge name for head coach job

Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A Washington Commanders helmet on the bench against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders on Thursday hired Dan Quinn as their new head coach, but they reportedly discussed the possibility of trying to make a major splash before they reached that decision.

Bill Belichick spoke with the Commanders during the team’s head coach search, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. While some within the organization were in favor of hiring the 71-year-old, Washington ultimately decided to go in a different direction.

During the hiring process in Washington, Bill Belichick was considered for the job, per sources. The Commanders spoke with him and he had support from some decision makers. In the end, Dan Quinn is their choice.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 1, 2024

The Commanders were one of the first teams mentioned as a potential Belichick suitor after the coach parted ways with the New England Patriots. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that new Washington owner Josh Harris was “enamored” with the idea of hiring Belichick. Several other reporters then said the Commanders were not planning to pursue Belichick.

There is a big difference between having a conversation with someone and actually considering them for a position. It is possible that Harris liked the thought of bringing in an NFL legend like Belichick but his football people felt differently.

With the Commanders having hired Quinn, Belichick is officially out of head coach options for 2024. There has been talk of him remaining at the forefront of the NFL landscape in a different way next season.