Cowboys' Jerry Jones addresses Dan Quinn joining Commanders

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones spoke with reporters on Sunday about defensive coordinator Dan Quinn leaving the organization to become head coach of the Washington Commanders. 

"I felt ultimately two years ago that Dan wanted a head coaching job, so it doesn't surprise me that he's landed a head coaching job," Jones explained, according to Nick Harris of the Cowboys' website. "I couldn't look at a crystal ball and see what direction that might go back then, but it doesn't surprise me – the fact that he's got head coaching credentials [and] been to a Super Bowl."

Quinn previously served as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 through a portion of the 2020 season, and he guided that club to Super Bowl LI. It was in that championship game where the Falcons squandered a 28-3 lead en route to losing to the New England Patriots 34-28. 

Quinn most recently worked as defensive coordinator of the Cowboys across the past three campaigns. Per ESPN stats, Dallas finished this past regular season ranked fifth in the NFL in total defense (299.7 yards allowed per game). However, the Cowboys surrendered 143 rushing yards and three scores on the ground in their 48-32 wild-card playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 14. 

Much has been made about the fact that Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy is set to enter the final year of his contract. Jones suggested McCarthy's status won't impact the club's pursuit of Quinn's eventual replacement. 

"I don't anticipate that being an issue at all," Jones said about McCarthy's uncertain future. "If they take the job, they will be coordinator of the Cowboys. They would be looking at that right there and all that goes with that. If they're aspiring, they know there's a chance to be a head coach someplace, because the one that just left is."

It's thought that Jones could target Bill Belichick if McCarthy's squad fails to complete a trip to at least the NFC Championship Game next season. Such rumors theoretically could cause some coordinator candidates to think twice about accepting a job that could be taken away less than 12 months from now.