NFL Rumors: Cowboys’ Dan Quinn to Interview with Commanders, Chargers, More This Week

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will reportedly hold Zoom interviews with the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans on Wednesday, the Washington Commanders Thursday and the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB.

Quinn, 53, has spent the last three seasons leading the Cowboys defense.

He didn’t exactly put his best display on tape in Sunday’s 48-32 loss against the Green Bay Packers, however, as his defense gave up 41 of those points, 415 total yards (143 on the ground), allowed the Packers to finish 6-of-10 on third downs and convert their only fourth-down attempt and didn’t sack Jordan Love once.

All of that from a defense that finished fifth in both points allowed (18.5) and yards allowed (299.7) this past season.

Even if Quinn—who has previous experience as a head coach, going 43-42 as the head in parts of six seasons leading the Atlanta Falcons (2015-20)—doesn’t get a head-coaching job this offseason, he may be seeking employment elsewhere, as Mike McCarthy finds himself very much on the hot seat.

It’s very possible that a new head coach would bring in his own coaching staff to Dallas. If Quinn didn’t get a head-coaching position and found himself on the market as a defensive coordinator candidate, he’d be extremely in demand despite Sunday’s poor result.

In his three seasons in Dallas, his defenses finished at least top-seven in points allowed each year and led the NFL in takeaways twice. This season his unit remained competitive despite the loss of star cornerback Trevon Diggs.

As for the teams reportedly conducting interviews with him, the Chargers may be the most attractive opening given the presence of star quarterback Justin Herbert, though they are the presumed frontrunners for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh after interviewing him on Monday.

The Panthers are arguably the least attractive opening, given the absence of a first-round pick this offseason, the struggles of quarterback Bryce Young in his rookie season and the turbulence of David Tepper’s tenure as owner.

The Titans offer more stability and a promising young quarterback in Will Levis, though the roster needs a talent overhaul. The Commanders hold the No. 2 pick in a draft believed to have two excellent quarterback prospects, USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and have been freed from the pall of previous owner Daniel Snyder.

It remains to be seen if Quinn will be considered for other vacancies as well. But it wouldn’t be shocking if his time in Dallas has come to an end, one way or another.