FRISCO, TEXAS — Dan Quinn finally He has made a decision about his NFL future., and is expected to join the NFC East rivals in 2024 and beyond – the Washington Commanders as that team's newest head coach. And considering this is a move he's making in early February, **creating even more shockwaves**, his Dallas Cowboys will have to get through this.
That's because the majority of coaching cycles have already been worked out around the NFL, and there is no longer an expanded list of headline names that could replace Quinn as defensive coordinator. But there's another wrinkle to this as well.
Internally, it makes sense to consider promoting current defensive minds like Joe Whitt Jr. and former defensive backs coach (and former All-Pro cornerback) Al Harris. , Quinn's departure could potentially siphon off some of the staff. In the same way.
That means Whit, Harris and other players could head to the managers to join Quinn, but understand that Washington would have to offer them a promotion to leave Dallas. That's important, or the Cowboys could block the move altogether.
Alternatively, the Cowboys could make an equal or better financial offer, including a promotion to prevent him from leaving for pastures of crimson and yellow.
For reference, here is the current list of Quinn's staff starting in 2023:
- Joe Whitt, Secondary/Pass Game Coordinator
- Al Harris, defensive backs coach
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach
- Sharrif Floyd, Quality Control/Assistant. D line
- Cannon Matthews, Asst.defensive backs
- Scott McCurley, linebackers coach
- Pete Ohnegian, Quality Control/Defensive Assistant
- Eric Simonelli, Quality Control/Analytics
- Darian Thompson, Quality Control/Assistant.lb
- Rayna Stewart, assistant;special teams
- Harold Nash, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator
- Cedric Smith, assistant;Strength & Conditioning
- Kendall Smith, assistant;Strength & Conditioning
We mentioned the Witt and Harris variables, but what about a player like Durd?
He has been a hot topic this coaching cycle, and like the rest of the group, his future in Dallas is also in question.
Also, if Quinn chooses to move on from his current head offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy (who has now changed positions), one or two members of the Cowboys' offensive coaching staff, such as Brian Don't discount the possibility of contacting Schottenheimer. A decision is made.
And let's be clear right up front that this could be one of the more attractive situations for an incoming coordinator to consider when looking for potential candidates for the defensive coordinator role outside of the building. Sho.
Defensemen such as Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Trevon Diggs, and Daron Brand, to name a few, are just as talented as Quinn, who has now achieved success in his own right. The obvious fact is that he commands the defense. For a player to become a candidate for one of the league's hottest teams can easily be a fast track route back to the head coaching position.
That being said, names like Brandon Staley, Mike Vrabel, and Ron Rivera will enter the discussion. They all had their head coaches fired this offseason and are in dire need of a rebrand. It was exactly like when Quinn divorced the Falcons. An unpleasant situation three seasons ago.
If it's an outside hire, there's a good chance the list above will look a lot different next season.
On a related side note, don't expect Bill Belichick to be demoted to coordinator in 2024, even if it's for the Cowboys. Because, unlike the three mentioned, his reputation is still impeccable despite the lack of recent success in the last few games with the New England Patriots.
What the next coordinator will need to consider is the fact that head coach Mike McCarthy has not been granted an extension through the 2024 season and will instead be asked to have a proving season in order to earn an extension.
If things don't work out for the Cowboys in the playoffs next year, owner and general manager Jerry Jones could make a coaching change, which could mean the next coordinator's tenure in 2024 would be just one year. There is sex. That's because there's no guarantee that a new head coach won't do a big cleanup in 2025.
There's a lot to consider from all sides for all the parties currently involved, and potentially involved in the coming days, so the Cowboys and all the candidates will be on the defensive side of the ball. Many things need to be considered before the problem is resolved. In Dallas.
Which players are intrigued to join Quinn in Washington, including influential rotational pass rusher Dante Fowler, who reunited with Quinn in Dallas for two seasons after his first stint with the Falcons? There are additional factors.
Given how beloved Quinn is by the Cowboys' defensive players, their list of pending free agents may feel a little drawn to the former defensive coordinator right now. Especially if a financial offer makes the deal better.
The clock is ticking for Dallas, and with a bang, given the 2024 NFL Combine and free agency are hurtling towards it.
