Dan Quinn is still in the mix for the two remaining HC positions, putting the Cowboys – once again – in jeopardy of losing their defensive coordinator. The former Falcons head coach has been selective about his destinations, but the Cowboys have identified at least one contingency plan in the event their defensive play-caller bolts.
The team has interest in Ron Rivera as a Quinn backup plan, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Rivera interviewed for the Eagles’ DC job, but the team quickly pivoted to Vic Fangio once the Dolphins let him out of his contract. This marks Rivera’s first non-Philly connection during this year’s hiring period.
Rivera, however, said he had spoken with multiple teams following his Black Monday firing. The Commanders canned Rivera after four seasons. With Josh Harris buying the team (and playing a central role in it trading both Montez Sweat and Chase Young on deadline day), Rivera’s firing – which came after an eight-game losing streak – was one of the most anticipated ousters in recent NFL history. The expected ouster assuredly allowed Rivera to chart potential options for the 2024 season.
Rivera, 62, has not been a coordinator since a stay as the Chargers’ DC vaulted him onto the HC radar. The former Super Bowl HC spent nine seasons leading the Panthers and the past four in Washington. The 2010 Bolts’ defense ranked first in yards allowed, leading Rivera to Charlotte. Rivera also served as a Super Bowl DC, residing in that post for the 2006 Bears – a team whose defense became rather important, as Rex Grossman was at quarterback. The Bears ranked first and third in scoring defense, respectively, in 2005 and ’06.
Jack Del Rio‘s firing led to Rivera calling plays to close out the 2023 season. Washington’s defense struggled throughout, bottoming out following the Sweat and Young trades. The end result: last-place rankings in scoring and yardage. But the Cowboys had success after giving Quinn a rebound opportunity.
If Quinn is to replace Rivera in Washington or succeed ex-boss Pete Carroll in Seattle, Rivera should be expected to become a candidate for the Dallas DC post. Quinn will go through a second interview for the Washington job Tuesday. The Seahawks probably represent Quinn’s best chance, however; Lions OC Ben Johnson still looks like the favorite to land the Commanders’ HC gig.
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