“I would certainly be ready..” Cowboys DC Dan Quinn breaks silence on taking up a better job next season amid hiring rumors

Dan Quinn has a record of 43-42 as a head coach.

Dan Quinn (via Bleacher Report)

The Dallas Cowboys have been balling this season. They have already won 11 of their 16 games and have qualified for the postseason. A major reason for their success this season has been the team’s outstanding coaching. Along with head coach Mike McCarthy, DC Dan Quinn has been phenomenal in creating a very stingy defense this season.

The former Atlanta Falcons head coach joined the Cowboys in 2021 and since then, has been responsible for a very stout Cowboys defense. Due to his stellar work this season, he has been in a lot of head coaching shortlists around the league. Quinn is linked with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Carolina Panthers’ jobs after this season.

Quinn also seems to be ready to become a head coach again. He was recently asked about his future as an HC in the league, to which he said:

If and when that time gets called, I would certainly be ready to discuss that at a moment's notice.

Dan Quinn at the post-game presser

However, Quinn has made Dallas his home and might not leave at all.

He further continued:

I think it’s important to know how to compartmentalize. Fortunately for me in that space, any preparation you would do on that is done over the summertime. It’s pretty easy these days to compartmentalize.

Dan Quinn continued

If Dan Quinn leaves for a head coaching position — #CowboysNation

should show nothing but respect to DQ. There are no ifs, ands, our buts about it. He’s been the perfect DC for the #Cowboys after the unit was literally historically bad the season before he took over.

I know… pic.twitter.com/qzISjyGcI1

— Dominic White (@DomWWhite) January 1, 2024

Quinn was the head coach of the Falcons for six seasons. He led them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016 but failed spectacularly against the New England Patriots. The Atlanta-based team blew a 25-point lead en route to a 34-28 overtime defeat. Quinn was fired from the Falcons in 2020.

Dan Quinn linked to a couple of NFL teams to become their head coach next season

The Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has created a defensive juggernaut in Dallas as they look to win their first Super Bowl since 1995. However, Quinn’s performance as a DC has led a lot of teams to consider him for their head coaching position.
Dan Quinn (via Sports Illustrated)
Two teams, in particular, are strong favorites to land Quinn. The Los Angeles Chargers and the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers fired their head coach Brandon Staley after a disastrous season. Panthers, on the other hand, had lost 10 of their first 11 games under then HC Frank Reich and that was enough for the franchise, as they pulled the plug on Reich. Quinn will be a great addition to either team this offseason.

Dan Quinn with a “Cowboys Football is Life” t-shirt. pic.twitter.com/gNfbO3PDvZ

— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) January 1, 2024

Quinn has head coaching experience as he was the HC of the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. He led them to two playoff appearances including a Super Bowl appearance in 2016. It will be interesting to see where Quinn lands after the season.