Broncos request interview with Cowboys' Dan Quinn, Pats' Jerod Mayo

The Broncos wasted no time moving on from former head coach Vic Fangio after their regular season finale this past weekend, and they've already begun examining potential candidates to replace him.

Denver requested permission to interview Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn on Monday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Broncos also requested an interview with Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and multiple other reports.

Quinn is in his first season as Dallas' leader on defense after joining the organization following six years as the head coach in Atlanta. As head coach, Quinn led the Falcons to the Super Bowl in 2017, where they infamously blew a 28-3 lead to the Patriots. He was then fired after the 2020 season, finishing with a 43-42 record.

The Cowboys' defense under Quinn became one of the top units in the league, forcing a league-leading 34 turnovers including a league-best 26 interceptions. They improved from the 23rd best defense in terms of yards allowed (6,183) in 2020 to 19th (5,967) in 2021 as well.

Mayo comes with significantly less coaching experience, but not without plenty of intrigue as well. Young coaches are all the rage right now, and Mayo will be just 36 at the start of next season. And as a former player, Mayo would likely be a very relatable figure for many on the roster.

He began his coaching career with the Patriots in 2019 as inside linebackers coach, and has held the position ever since. With Mayo in the mix, New England has finished first (4,414), 15th (5,660) and fourth (5,284) in yards allowed. It wouldn't be the first time the Broncos have hired a Patriots assistant either, as they coaxed longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels away for a two-year stint as head coach from 2009-10.