Jon Wilner from Pac-12 Hotline claims that the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has been identified as a “speculated candidate” per a source. He lists a few reasons why this would work, including his experience with the San Fransisco 49ers.
Quinn was the last college coach in 2000 at Hofstra. Before that, he made stops at William & Mary as well as VMI. He’s been with the NFL for over two decades. His roles have ranged from position coach to head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Quinn’s work experience with Pete Carroll, the current Seahawks head coach, is another factor to be considered. Quinn ran the Legion of Boom secondary, while Quinn was there during Super Bowl runs.
Carroll, the Trojans’ former national champion-winning coach, was the last USC head coach to see the team on top. His coaching family could help bring back the feeling of the early 2000s.
After firing Clay Helton in the early part of the season, USC has one of few top head coaching positions available. Some names have been mentioned, including Baylor’s Dave Aranda and James Franklin from Penn State. Quinn is the latest addition to an already impressive list.
After being relieved from his Atlanta head coaching duties, Quinn had a great season as Dallas’ defensive coordinator. He was able to take revenge on Atlanta during Cowboys’ Week 9 at-home game.
After the win, the defensive coordinator said that he was happy to face his old team and had nothing but positive things to say about Falcons. He stated that he is happy to be able to move on and remains friendly with many people involved with the team.
Quinn stated that it was good to end the game. There are many friendships in Atlanta. It’s the best part about the NFL. There are always great rivalries between players and coaches. It’s a large roster with many talented players. I care about the team a lot.
Dallas and Quinn gave up only three points. This was one of their best performances this season. They also picked off Atlanta’s quarterback Matt Ryan three more times, bringing their total to 14.
The Cowboys have now picked off Patrick Mahomes from Kansas City, which is good enough to tie for second in the NFL. Quinn’s arrival has made a huge difference for a Dallas defense which struggled last season.