The Standard is the Standard - Learning from the Cowboys Dan Quinn
Jul 30, 2023 2:06 pm
Coach ,
As NFL training camp opens, college report days near, and high school football is about to kick off, we thought it be good to share a message on the standards we set.
Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn has done an excellent job with this in brining the Cowboy's defense to the top of the NFL rankings.
“The standard is not easily maintained but each man is mentally tough, filled with resilience and surrounded by a brotherhood that will push him to be the very best he can be” - Dan Quinn
For Coach Quinn it begins with setting the bar high and having every team member hold each other accountable for the standard.
It’s something that he has done for a long time as a head coach, coordinator, and position coach, and how he does it is certainly a template for any coach to use with his group, unit or team.
The standard provides the edge for Coach Quinn and his players. He feels it is important for a coach to define it in writing and put everyone on the same page. He defines “the standard” for his team in this video (click on image for video):
Coach Quinn goes on to explain how “the standard” gives every member of the team a “go-to” as far as how to approach a teammate when something is not being done the right way as they have defined it. They push each other to be the best they can be. He explains it here (click on image for video):
The common language allows a wide focus to allow every team member to bring it in together. The standard creates a connection that goes beyond this year’s team. It unites the coach and players of the past to the team as well, which is extremely important in building a successful program. Coach Quinn explains that effect using a former player and Hall of Famer Jason Taylor as an example (click on image for video):
Once you establish the standard for your position group, unit, or the entire team, you will see the accountability to each other become a huge factor in helping improve your players' buy-in as well as the bond between players and coaches.
Best of luck to you and your team as you set the bar for a successful 2023.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski
P.S. All clinic presentations from NFL Coaches are 32% off to celebrate the official start of training camp. Find these and others here.