What latest NFL coaching news means for Cowboys' Dan Quinn
Right now, the Dallas Cowboys are experiencing the dreaded feeling of seeing your crush Typing… while waiting around for Dan Quinn's response ahead of the 2024 NFL season. As they get ready to "run it back" this offseason, they're in the dark when it comes to their defensive coordinator. Currently, Quinn appears to be a finalist […]
Right now, the Dallas Cowboys are experiencing the dreaded feeling of seeing your crush Typing… while waiting around for Dan Quinn's response ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
As they get ready to "run it back" this offseason, they're in the dark when it comes to their defensive coordinator. Currently, Quinn appears to be a finalist for the two NFL teams that have yet to make a decision on who will be their head coach in 2024. Here's the tally so far:
- Patriots: Jerod Mayo
- Raiders: Antonio Pierce
- Titans: Brian Callahan
- Chargers: Jim Harbaugh
- Panthers: Dave Canales
- Falcons: Raheem Morris
Out of eight teams that fired their head coaches, only the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks remain open. Quinn has second interviews scheduled with each of the teams.
It's up to either of these two franchises that will determine if the Cowboys get the DC that has coached the best defense in the league per EPA/play since 2021 or not. Let's dive into what his chances are looking like.
Will Dan Quinn land a head coaching job?
First, let's talk about the Commanders. After firing Ron Rivera, their new ownership is seeking to build a state-of-the-art NFL franchise. They got the perfect resource to start on that process: The second overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.
That means they're on the fast track to get their quarterback in April, likely one of Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, whoever the Chicago Bears don't pick at No. 1. With that in mind, why wouldn't they take the modern approach of finding an offensive minded coach just like the Titans did by choosing Brian Callahan over other key candidates, including Quinn.
Among the Commanders' second interviewees, rising offensive gurus Bobby Slowik and Ben Johnson are included. My guess (purely based on my speculation above) is Washington leans toward either of these two as they'll be getting their hands on one of the two best QB prospects of the year.
The Seahawks are a different story, though. Per SI's Fan Nation, beyond Quinn, Seattle's second interviewees include Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
You can see why Quinn might have the upper hand over all of them and his ties with the Seahawks from the Legion of Boom days make him the favorite in the eyes of the public. Right now, it feels like it's the Seahawks or bust for Dan. For more on this topic, check out my nightly show below!
Are the Cowboys running out of time?
As Mike McCarthy and friends await Quinn's response, there's some concern rising among Cowboys Nation about Dallas running out of time to land an external defensive coordinator.
While such fears are fair, not only are there plenty of solid candidates available but Dallas is likely to promote from within. Sure, Quinn could leave and take his staff with him but Joe Whitt Jr. and/or Al Harris will likely consider sticking around Dallas if that means being able to coach Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, DeMarcus Lawrence, among others.
In this particular aspect, I think concerns shouldn't be overblown. The Cowboys should be fine when it comes to filling the potential vacancy.
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