Dan Quinn Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Insider: Cowboys DC Dan Quinn has been 'waiting' to coach this NFC West team

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 1/11/24

Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has been a hot commodity with already four interview requests from head coach-needy teams (Chargers, Commanders, Panthers and Titans).

However, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport believes Quinn has had his eyes set on one team for some time now.

"When he physically removed himself from being a coach candidate last year, my thought was always, he's waiting for Seattle," Rapoport said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "He's gonna have options this year. He is a really strong candidate. ... Dan Quinn is not a risk. He's been to the Super Bowl. He's a really good coach. I think, Seattle, there's some mutual interest and that would make sense."

"I've always thought Dan Quinn was waiting for Seattle and he's a really strong candidate..

I think there's some mutual interest and that would make sense" ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3Fg0oTiX2e
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 11, 2024

The Seahawks have yet to put in a request to interview Quinn, but they just parted ways with head coach Pete Carroll on Wednesday. So those decisions are likely coming soon, and it would be surprising if Quinn is not near the top, if not at the top, of their list.

Seattle has prided itself on having a physical defense for many years now and there's no question Quinn would bring that from his time in Dallas.

The Cowboys have had one of the league's best defenses since Quinn took over as their defensive coordinator in 2021. The unit allowed the fifth-fewest total yards per game (299.7) and points per game (18.5) in the NFL this season.

Quinn's familiarity with the Seahawks from his previous stints with them also supports the idea of why the two sides reuniting is likely to happen. He was the team's defensive coordinator from 2013-14 and its assistant head coach & defensive line coach from 2009-10.

For now, Quinn is likely focused on preparing Dallas for its wild-card matchup against the Packers on Sunday. But once the Cowboys season comes to a close, whether it's in a few days or a few weeks, Seattle could move quick to go get its guy.

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