The Washington Commanders have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a struggling franchise to a playoff contender. With the departure of controversial owner Daniel Snyder and the arrival of new leadership under Josh Harris, the team has made significant gains, culminating in an NFC Championship game appearance. The hiring of general manager Adam Peters, along with head coach Dan Quinn, has brought stability and effective decision-making, which has greatly influenced the team's success.

Central to this resurgence is rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels, whose performance has far exceeded expectations. From being the second overall pick, he has quickly become an essential part of the team's identity and success. His remarkable ability to handle pressure and make quick decisions has helped elevate the team’s overall performance.

The Coach of the Year award in the NFL has intriguing finalists this year, including notable names like Andy Reid, Dan Campbell, Kevin O'Connell, Sean Payton, and Dan Quinn. Each finalist has made significant impacts with their respective teams, showcasing impressive coaching skills throughout the season.

O'Connell's ability to lead a team riddled with injuries, including losing their starting quarterback and the anticipated rookie, is commendable. Meanwhile, Quinn has been instrumental in transforming his team from a five-win season to a commendable twelve-win season, culminating in a strong showing in the conference championships. However, O'Connell's achievement of turning a struggling team into a 14-win powerhouse, almost clinching the top seed in the NFC, positions him as the frontrunner for the award. Overall, this year's race for the Coach of the Year is fiercely competitive.