Dan Quinn is wasting no time shaping the Washington Commanders in his vision, and his latest coaching hire brings a bit of extra intrigue. With the San Francisco 49ers still adjusting their staff following their Super Bowl defeat, Quinn has seized the opportunity to bring in one of their former coaches—someone who likely feels he was unfairly treated by Kyle Shanahan.
Washington has officially hired Brian Schneider as the team’s new assistant special teams coordinator, replacing John Glenn, who held the position last season. This move also marks a reunion between Schneider and Quinn, as they previously worked together in Seattle when Schneider led one of the league’s top special teams units.
The Commanders announced Brian Schneider has been named as assistant special teams coordinator. The 49ers fired Schneider as ST coordinator after the season.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) February 19, 2025
Schneider, who has nearly two decades of NFL coaching experience, has worked with multiple teams, including the Raiders and Seahawks, before his most recent stint with the 49ers. However, his tenure in San Francisco was far from smooth. The 49ers’ special teams struggled throughout the season, despite occasional strong performances from kicker Jake Moody and punter Mitch Wishnowsky. While those struggles contributed to Schneider’s firing, the blame may not rest entirely on his shoulders. Shanahan has historically shown little emphasis on special teams, and in his exit press conference, he essentially acknowledged that Schneider had been made a scapegoat for the unit’s shortcomings.
For Schneider, the move to Washington represents a fresh start and a chance to prove himself under Quinn, who is expected to provide more support for the special teams unit. Meanwhile, the 49ers have turned to former Jets coach Brant Boyer in hopes of improving their special teams. However, unless Shanahan changes his approach and prioritizes that phase of the game, simply changing coordinators may not lead to significant improvement.
This hiring presents an opportunity for Schneider to remind the league why he was so highly regarded during his time in Seattle. Now, the challenge is on him to transform Washington’s special teams into a competitive unit.
The Commanders’ Offseason Moves: A Team in Transition
Washington has been aggressive in making changes this offseason, both in coaching and roster-building, as they look to reshape their team. They recently signed tight end Lawrence Cager, offensive lineman Anim Dankwah, and running back Demetric Felton to Reserve/Future contracts. While these signings may not make headlines, they add depth and competition to key positions.
On the coaching front, Quinn has assembled an experienced staff to support his vision. One of the most notable hires is Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator, bringing a fresh offensive approach to the team. Additionally, Bobby Engram has been appointed as the wide receivers coach, while Bobby Johnson will oversee the offensive line. These moves indicate Washington’s commitment to innovation and improvement on offense.
The team has also made significant adjustments to its roster. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. was signed to the active roster, providing additional depth in the backfield. Meanwhile, Washington parted ways with former first-round pick Jamin Davis, signaling a shift in their defensive strategy.
All these changes point to one clear conclusion—Washington is serious about strengthening its squad. However, whether these moves will translate into on-field success remains to be seen as the team heads into the next season.