Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys DC Dan Quinn makes his feeling about Commanders HC job known

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 2/1/24

With the Seattle Seahawks hiring Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their next head coach, the Washington Commanders are the NFL’s lone head-coaching vacancy.

The team has interviewed several candidates and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is among the finalists for the position.

The Commanders have the final remaining head coach vacancy. Aaron Glenn, Dan Quinn and Anthony Weaver are the known finalists.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 31, 2024

Unlike Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was believed to be the favorite to land the job before informing the Commanders on Tuesday that he was no longer interested, Quinn plans to accept the job if he’s offered, according to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News.

“Quinn has made it known he would be happy to return to Dallas for a fourth season as defensive coordinator if the Commanders turn elsewhere,” Moore wrote. “But he’s ready to tackle another chance at being a head coach.”

I said it yesterday, I think Dan Quinn is going to be the next head coach of the Washington Commanders.

Anthony Weaver is certainly intriguing.

But, I think this Washington brass goes with experience and a proven leader. pic.twitter.com/aBizCvRjj2
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 31, 2024

Quinn interviewed with the Commanders twice, including Tuesday afternoon before the team’s front office flew to Detroit for second interviews with Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

The 53-year-old Quinn has spent the last three seasons as the Cowboys DC after a five-plus-year stint as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

He’s been a hot commodity during the last two coaching cycles given his previous head-coaching experience, which included a 43-42 record with two playoff appearances and one Super Bowl appearance.

If he doesn’t land the Washington job, Quinn could be in prime position next offseason to succeed Mike McCarthy as the Cowboys head coach should they fail to make a deep playoff run again.

McCarthy has one year left on his deal, and short of an improbable run to the Super Bowl, it’s expected the team will move on from him after the 2024 season.

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