Report: Bill Belichick had support from Commanders decision-makers before Dan Quinn hire

The Commanders hired their head coach on Thursday, filling the final NFL vacancy. And Bill Belichick still is without a new job.

The Commanders looked to the Cowboys — their long-time NFC East nemesis — to find their head coach. Washington hired Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. But Dianna Russini, who covers the NFL for The Athletic, said Belichick did have support from within the Washington organization. “In the end, Dan Quinn is their choice.”

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

Commanders considered 8 coaches, but didn’t interview Belichick

The Commanders considered a number of candidates besides Quinn. Many thought Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson would take the job after the Commanders fired Ron Rivera. CBS reported that several members of Commanders management were on their way to Detroit to interview Johnson earlier this week. But Johnson informed them he was staying put.

Fox Sports reported that the Commanders search committee did consider Belichick. But the consensus was new owner Josh Harris had too many concerns for the former Patriots head coach with six Super Bowl rings. The report said the committee worried about Belichick’s age (71) and whether he would work well with a general manager who would have control over who the team signs. The Commanders, who pick second in April’s NFL Draft, are in rebuilding mode.

In the end, the Commanders turned to Quinn. There were eight head coaching vacancies this off-season and Quinn always was connected to the Seahawks. After all, Quinn was the defensive coordinator in Seattle when the Seahawks won a Super Bowl. But Seattle opted for Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to replace Pete Carroll.

The Seahawks did interview Quinn, as did the Chargers. Meanwhile, there was a ton of buzz connecting Belichick to the Falcons job. But Atlanta hired Raheem Morris, a one-time Falcons defensive coordinator.

No one thinks the NFL is finished with Belichick. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones raved about the ex-Patriots boss, saying he’d consider him for a future opening. Jones kept Mike McCarty, who is entering his final year of his contract. The Eagles also are showing interest in Belichick for a possible opening if Nick Sirianni can’t figure out why his team hit bottom at the end of 2023.