Cowboys' Dan Quinn potential replacements ranked from most likely to least

The Dallas Cowboys currently have no defensive coordinator on staff following Dan Quinn's departure.

And they seem to be in no rush, with interviews expected to take place during Super Bowl week. Many have speculated the Cowboys won't break news about who is their guy until after the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers battle it out for the Lombardi Trophy.

Be that as it may, there's already a clearer picture of the Cowboys' candidates, starting by the two likeliest ones which seem to be in a different tier than the others. 

Tier 1: Likeliest Dan Quinn replacements come down to two

1. Mike Zimmer

The former Minnesota Vikings head coach and Cowboys defensive coordinator (2000-2006) takes the No. 1 spot on the list for three big reasons.

1. The Cowboys like Zimmer and it's no secret. He was a candidate for the job ahead of 2021 before they went with Dan Quinn and they've held him in high regard since the last time he coached in Dallas. They're like a couple who never got the timing right. Now that the Cowboys want a smooth transition from Quinn and that there's no long-term security in anything about this football team, the timing couldn't be better.
2. We already know both parties are interested, as they're meeting about the job. 
3. David Moore from Dallas Morning News recently posted an article explaining why Zimmer makes sense for the Cowboys. If somebody knows what the Joneses are thinking, it's Moore. This is a train gaining momentum entering Super Bowl week. 

Additionally, there's much to like about Zimmer. His coverages have given quarterbacks trouble for a long time and there are really no blemishes in his resume as a defensive play caller. 

2. Joe Whitt Jr., Cowboys passing game coordinator

This would be a move that screams continuity for a Cowboys team's that allegedly aiming to go all-in in 2024. One of Whitt's dream jobs is supposedly to become defensive coordinator of the Cowboys but this is the real world and the decision he truly has to make is if he wants to hitch his wagon to a recently-hired head coach in Dan Quinn or one that's fighting for his job in a contract year. 

It's very possible that Quinn steals Whitt Jr. for his new staff but I'm still listing him at No. 2 because it would seem he's the Cowboys' top in-house candidate. However, it seems to me that if he was going to take over, we'd know by now. 

Tier 2: Likely candidates but maybe not preferred

2. Al Harris, Cowboys defensive backs coach

Speaking of in-house coaches, a beloved figure within the team could rise to DC fairly quickly if Quinn doesn't poach him from the Commanders. Al Harris is a former player (and a good one, too), and has the respect of Trevon Diggs, DaRon Bland, among others. He could also give the Cowboys stability ahead of 2024. 

4. Ron Rivera

The Cowboys are reportedly interviewing Rivera for the job, too. His latest stop was as head coach of the Commanders where his defense failed to generate consistent results. This would be an odd hire by Dallas as it would scream "we literally just care about experience and nothing else." 

Tier 3: Fans want them, Cowboys probably not

5. Wink Martindale

This would be my guy. Man coverage and aggressive blitzing all throughout. Not happening, though. 

6. Mike Vrabel

Vrabel and McCarthy on the same team would be the perfect mix for a catastrophic and toxic work environment. Talk about having someone looking over your shoulder. Hard pass. 

7. Brandon Staley

Say what you want about his head coaching tenure, Staley has been a great defensive coordinator in the past and his Fangio-style scheme would be interesting to see in Dallas. 

Wildcard: Cowboys DL coach Aden Durde

Durde didn't really fit into any of the tiers above so I'm listing him as a wildcard. His name has been generating some buzz and it's not hard to figure out why: He's overlooked Micah Parsons' development since both arrived in Dallas in 2021. His work up front has been noteworthy and the coaching staff and locker room like him.