Could the Washington Commanders find their next head coach by stealing away the defensive coordinator of their hated rivals?
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the Commanders have requested permission to interview Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for their vacant head coaching position.
Sources: The #Chargers and #Commanders have submitted requests to interview #Cowboys DC Dan Quinn for their vacant head coaching position. @BleacherReport
That’s now three requests for Quinn, who also has one from the #Panthers. https://t.co/OdY18euBue
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 9, 2024
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Quinn has turned around the Cowboys’ defense since coming aboard as defensive coordinator in 2021. The former Falcons head coach has received multiple opportunities to interview for other head coaching positions since arriving in Dallas, but owner Jerry Jones has managed to keep him around. Quinn chose not to interview for any jobs last offseason.
Could the Chargers or Commanders’ openings tempt Quinn to walk away from Dallas?
He is one of the NFL’s best coordinators and can afford to be choosy. At 53, there is still plenty of time for Quinn to take another head coaching job. Jones also pays him well.
The Cowboys finished No. 5 in FTN’s defensive DVOA in 2023, one year after finishing No. 4. Dallas is fundamentally sound on defense and does an outstanding job of rushing the passer and creating turnovers.
What did Washington’s defense lack in 2023? The ability to rush the passer and create turnovers.
Quinn’s candidacy feels like a longshot, but this is another case of the Commanders doing due diligence in finding their next leader.
