Panthers great Luke Kuechly predicts NFL's Coach of the Year (and it's not Andy Reid)
Former Panthers LB Luke Kuechly was invited to the show "Up & Adams," where he predicted that Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn could be the Coach of the Year.
When talking with host Kay Adams, Kuechly said that Quinn was his top candidate for Coach of the Year honor, saying:
“I think that one’s easy. I think Dan Quinn.”
Adams appeared a bit surprised by Kuechly’s choice, considering other candidates like Super Bowl-winning coach Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Dan Campbell, Mike Tomlin and Kevin O’Connell. However, even the FanDuel Sportsbook odds favorably reflect Quinn’s chances, as he has transformed the Commanders.
Kuechly, the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, further explained why he sees Quinn as the top choice. He highlighted the impressive turnaround Quinn has managed despite the Commanders' challenges.
Kuechly remarked:
“Ownership change, new GM, you’ve drafted a rookie QB, second overall, I think they were what 3-14 or something last year, and now they’re rolling.”
The Commanders currently stand at 6-2 at the halfway mark of the season.
Dan Quinn stands up to the expectations
Interestingly, this is Quinn’s first season with the Commanders after he replaced Ron Rivera as the team’s 31st head coach.
Previously, Quinn served as the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys, where he played a pivotal role in elevating their defense. He has achieved similar success with the Commanders, a change that has been widely noted by sports analysts, including Kuechly.
Quinn has met the expectations of managing partner Josh Harris, who had high hopes for the team’s future when hiring both Quinn and Adam Peters. Harris had stated that they wanted to shape a new era of Commanders football, and both Quinn and Peters have proven instrumental in that vision.
Harris further praised the 54-year-old coach, acknowledging his impact on the defense:
“Dan has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the NFL's top defensive minds, building tough, explosive, and dynamic teams that compete hard. But most importantly, he is an incredible leader who brings out the best in his players, coaches and staff.”
Kuechly also noted another key aspect of Quinn’s approach:
“He (Quinn) lets them be themselves. I think he empowers them to have FUN.”
The cultural shift and positive mindset change at the Commanders' camp, which had faced struggles since 2016, can be attributed to Quinn’s influence.