FRISCO, Texas – As several head coaching vacancies pop up around the league with the conclusion of the regular season, Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has garnered interest.
The Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins are the latest teams requesting permission to interview Quinn, according to multiple reports.
When asked on Monday via WebEx about prospective teams seeking interviews, Quinn disclosed his focus is on preparing for the 49ers in the upcoming wild-card game.
“There’s just simply nothing to report from my end. When job changes happen and coaches are let go, it’s a difficult time for them and their families, the assistants, the team, everybody that goes into that. It’s nice to hear if someone is interested. That’s not lost on me … but there’s really nothing to add on my end. There’s not a lot of time management or anything that has to go into mine other than kicking ass and being right where my feet are. Hopefully, we can just talk Niners today because that’s where my heart and my head are moving forward.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars expressed interest and requested an interview with Quinn prior to the regular-season finale against the Eagles, but Quinn declined a meeting with the Jaguars during the NFL’s allotted two-week interview window during the regular season. He described to local media, “honestly, I’m enjoying what I’m doing and I’m really having the time of my life with this group of guys…that’s where it went.”
Quinn offers a well-rounded resume with extensive head coaching experience. During his five and a half seasons wearing the headset for the Atlanta Falcons, Quinn held a 43-42 record and took the Falcons to the Super Bowl in his second year with the club. He was let go five games into the 2020 season.
Prior to his head coaching role with the Falcons from 2015-2020, he served as the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014, where he used a 4-3 scheme and predominantly a single-high safety look and cover three in the backfield. He led the squad to a Super Bowl win following the 2014 campaign and consecutive Super Bowl appearances, returning Seattle to their famed ‘Legion of Boom’ status.
During his sabbatical in 2020 after his release from the Falcons, Quinn used the time away from the game to self-reflect and evaluate his scheme. He monitored how offenses were evolving around the league and took a hard look in the mirror, asking himself, ‘does what I do still work?’ Quinn made some changes that have materialized to success on the field in 2021 for the Cowboys’ defense. Instead of having a ‘woe is me’ mentality, Quinn took a proactive approach that has paid dividends.
He inherited a defense that hit an all-time low in 2020, surrendering a franchise-worst 473 points allowed (28th), and in one year, transformed the defense to a ranking of 7th in points allowed. Quinn remade the unit into not just a serviceable squad, but one of the most formidable in the NFL. Dallas finished 14th in the league, courtesy of 34 takeaways. The turnaround he spearheaded deserves esteemed praise and recognition.
“Going from people saying we’re going to be last in the division to people actually saying we are carrying the team, I think it’s a strength to Q [Dan Quinn] and the guys that’s been playing through injuries and all,” Micah Parsons stated. “We’ve been able to step up and play hard-nosed football and it’s really a credit to the work everybody has been putting in and the dedication everybody’s been putting in and sacrifice. I think it’s a great honor because nobody thought this defense could be what we’re doing right now.”
Players have thrived in his 4-3, hybrid sub package system. At the outset of the 2021 season after evaluating Micah Parsons during OTA’s/training camp, Quinn built the foundation of the defense and pressure packages around his versatility. The rookie phenom can rush the passer from anywhere, whether it is over the center, off the edge as a defensive end, or as an off-ball linebacker. His rare closing speed and initial quickness have harassed quarterbacks in the pocket and additionally, he possesses the sideline range and open-field athleticism to outpace runners and cover running backs and tight ends to the flats. Parsons studies pass rush stunts and blitz packages at both linebacker and D-end each week and his pressure has allowed others to shine.
With the return of DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory and Neville Gallimore following injury, Quinn has had more freedom in his pressures. He has brought five to the line of scrimmage, creating favorable one-on-one pass rush situations and matchups with backs. To keep offenses off-balance, Quinn has moved linemen around to disguise looks, bringing Gregory, Lawrence and Parsons in the interior, and moving Osa Odighizuwa outside. The rotational depth along the defensive line has kept legs fresh. The menacing crew up front has created opportunities for the back end, by forcing errant throws. Quinn has gotten dramatic production from Trevon Diggs in his second year, who leads the league in interceptions with 11 and from free agent acquisition Jayron Kearse, who leads the team in tackles with 101 (combined).
Quinn’s energetic coaching style and hands-on approach have translated to defensive production on the field. He is beloved by players and coaches for his ability to not only put players in position to succeed but for fostering relationships that build character off-the-field.
“Most people it’s always about football but when I met Q [Dan Quinn] he was like, ‘I know you are going to be a really good football player, but I care about what type of person you are,’” Micah Parsons recalled. “Always more than just the game and Q represents that.”
Quinn is a true embodiment of a ‘steward of the game’ and deserves credit for the defensive turnaround. From the 2020 defense being the laughingstock of the league and the focal point of every meme to being one of the most prolific a year later, Quinn accomplished what many deemed unfathomable. It is no surprise given the success to see Quinn’s name linked to potential head coaching vacancies, however, his loss would obstruct the unit’s otherwise ascending progress over the previous year. His impact on the defense and the entirety of the team is invaluable.
Quinn attributed coaching in Dallas to “recapturing” his joy of the game and hopefully, that keeps him around.
