According to Ian Rapoport, the Dallas Cowboys may be losing a key member of their coaching staff in the offseason. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was named as one of the finalists for the Denver Broncos’ head coaching position.
Quinn has been interviewed by a variety of teams, including the Chicago Bears as well as the Denver Broncos. Quinn will interview Monday for the NFC East rival New York Giants head coaching vacancy.
“The Denver Broncos have narrowed their head coaching search. This has started to kick into gear, and they’re expected to do some second-round interviews,” Rapoport said. “I’m told their finalists are Dan Quinn, Kevin O’Connell from the Los Angeles Rams, a really good offensive coordinator, and then Nathaniel Hackett, the OC for the Green Bay Packers.”
The Broncos could choose to begin their rebuilding process immediately if they want to hire a coach who is available immediately. Quinn and Hackett would be the only candidates given that O’Connell (the Rams’ offensive coordinator) is still in the NFL Playoffs with Los Angeles following an upset win over Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Cowboys defense was led by Quinn. Second-year defensive back Trevon diggs had a record-breaking year, with 52 total tackles, 11 interceptions, two touchdown returns and 52 total tackles. Micah Parsons, a rookie linebacker, managed to play multiple positions on the defensive line while racking up 84 total tackles (20 solo), 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Quinn’s defense allowed opposing teams to throw for 4,049 yards in this season, which was the 20th-best total among NFL players. Quinn also allowed an awful 24 passing touchdowns, which is 24th best among NFL players. The Cowboys defense forced 26 interceptions which was the most in the NFL. The Cowboys’ rushing defense was also middle-of the pack. They allowed 1,918 yards to opposing backs. This is the 16th-best total in the NFL.
Quinn was appointed the Cowboys’ defensive coach ahead of the 2021 season. He previously served as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach from 2015 to 2020. Quinn’s six seasons as a Falcons head coach were his only NFL experience. He led the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance, but ended with a cumulative record of 43-42 in six years.