The Dallas Cowboys just received major news from the NFL world that pertains to them in a big way: The Seattle Seahawks are hiring Mike Macdonald as their head coach. 

That means defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's future just got clearer as his chances of leaving just took a big hit, as there's only one available job in the league: the Washington Commanders.

With the Cowboys' NFC East rival being the last domino to fall, things are expected to happen quickly in the next 24-48 hours. But Quinn is not leaving the division. It's Cowboys or Commanders for him next season. 

Could Dan Quinn leave for the Commanders?

The answer is yes. Quinn has been considered one of the top finalists for the Washington job as he's met with the team multiple times. Per David Moore from the Dallas Morning News, Quinn is expected to take the Commanders job if it's offered, though.

Despite Quinn returning in the last couple of years after touring the league, this time he's packed up and ready to go if a team wants him. 

The Commanders were expected by many to target offensive minds Ben Johnson or Bobby Slowik before they returned to their respective teams. Now, it's down to defensive minds only, per Jonathan Jones from CBS:

The Commanders have the final remaining head coach vacancy. Aaron Glenn, Dan Quinn and Anthony Weaver are the known finalists.

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 31, 2024

Why didn't the Seahawks opt for Quinn?

As soon as the Seahawks parted ways with Pete Carroll, it became clear Quinn was going to be a candidate. After all, he played a huge part in the development of the Legion of Boom and had strong ties to the franchise.

However, Macdonald's work with the Ravens has been remarkable. Not only did his defense shut down many of the top offenses in 2023 but it did so in multiple ways. His unit could play man, zone, blitz, and it always had an answer. 

Even after a painful loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Macdonald's defense showed up to that game in a big way. 

Mike Macdonald had the Chiefs’ balls in a vice most of the game. Someone would be very smart to hire him. The more I learn the details of how he’s streamlined the Baltimore system, the more convinced I am that he’ll help on both sides of the ball as head coach. He gets it. pic.twitter.com/5VZaKtbczW

— Honest NFL (@TheHonestNFL) January 31, 2024

Although the storyline made sense for Quinn and the Seahawks, it's simply true that Macdonald was always considered a hotter head coaching candidate entering this offseason. He becomes the youngest head coach in the NFL with the news.

Cowboys: Where does Trey Lance fit in future plans?

It’s not clear at all.