The Dallas Cowboys received some signifiant news on Thursday. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is set to return to the Cowboys’ staff for another season.
Quinn, for the second offseason in a row, was one of the hottest head coaching candidates of the cycle. He was linked to several vacancies around the league and even interviewed with the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, and Indianapolis Colts.
It seemed to be a foregone conclusion that Quinn would be taking over as a head coach somewhere. Instead, he is returning to run the defense in Dallas. That is huge news for a franchise that was in need of something positive following an ugly playoff defeat.
#Cowboys DC Dan Quinn informed interested teams that he is staying in Dallas, per sources.
Quinn was a top candidate for the #Cardinals’ head coaching job and also interviewed with the #Colts and #Broncos. But his heart is in Dallas and he wants to win a Super Bowl there. pic.twitter.com/yl7gXtYIOv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 26, 2023
#Cowboys DC Dan Quinn informed interested teams that he is staying in Dallas, per sources.
Quinn was a top candidate for the #Cardinals’ head coaching job and also interviewed with the #Colts and #Broncos. But his heart is in Dallas and he wants to win a Super Bowl there. pic.twitter.com/yl7gXtYIOv
Dan Quinn has done wonders for the defense with the Dallas Cowboys. Since taking over, he has transitioned that side of the ball into one of the best, most aggressive units in football.
The Cowboys have led the league in takeaways in both seasons with Quinn calling the shots. Additionally, Micah Parsons has blossomed into a superstar and Trevon Diggs has emerged as one of the top ball-hawking corners in the league.
“We’re all extremely excited to have Dan back. This is big for us,” Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said on Thursday. “It gives us continuity. Frankly, on a personal note, I can’t tell you how thankful I am.”
#Cowboys DC Dan Quinn interviewed with #Cardinals yesterday but informed them and others teams he’s remaining with #Cowboys.
“Unfinished business here in Dallas, Quinn told me. “My complete focus is helping the team play championship ball in 2023.” pic.twitter.com/NqbWHeyZtu
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) January 26, 2023
#Cowboys DC Dan Quinn interviewed with #Cardinals yesterday but informed them and others teams he’s remaining with #Cowboys.
“Unfinished business here in Dallas, Quinn told me. “My complete focus is helping the team play championship ball in 2023.” pic.twitter.com/NqbWHeyZtu
Dallas has seen strong defensive play with Quinn leading the unit. In their most recent performance, the Cowboys’ defense contained an explosive 49ers offense to just 19 points. Kyle Shanahan, arguably the best play caller in the NFL, has a ton of respect for Quinn.
“The way (Dan Quinn) gets those guys to move, they have some really good rushers. Everyone knows about Lawrence & Parsons, but there’s not one bad one there. The way they stunt, the way they can create 1on1s, there’s a reason they’re No. 1 in getting to the (QB),” Shanahan said before the playoff showdown.
Dan Quinn returning is significant news for the Dallas Cowboys. Another season of Quinn working with Micah Parsons has a chance to be even more special. Espeically with Quinn having his eyes on winning a Super Bowl.
Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports