They are being pursued after former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn made the jump and was hired by the Washington Commanders. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is looking for his third defensive coordinator in five seasons. The Cowboys are expected to interview former Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their defensive coordinator vacancy. The Dallas Cowboys may hire Ron Rivera as their next defensive coordinator.
Rivera spent time interviewing with teams including the Los Angeles Rams and was also rumored to be linked to the Philadelphia Eagles before hiring Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio. Prior to joining the Commanders, Rivera spent nine seasons as the Panthers' head coach. He has not been the defensive coordinator for the Chargers since 2010, so it will be a fresh experience for him. If the Cowboys hire Rivera, it would literally be a switch between him and Quinn.
However, there are other top candidates the Dallas Cowboys could consider. Mike Vrabel, Brandon Staley, Wink Martindale and Mike Zimmer are searching for Quinn's replacement. Dallas was prepared for Quinn, who was looking for a head coaching job, to finally leave the team. So the team now has a choice and will be interviewing multiple candidates.
It's not unusual for the Dallas Cowboys to be unhappy with their coach. After an embarrassing 48-32 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Quinn was bound to walk out the door and get a fresh start.
𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: #Cowboys I am interviewing the former #Commander Coach Ron Rivera on next week's DC vacancy, according to @DavidMooreDMN pic.twitter.com/V3wlsSOR5t
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) February 1, 2024
Dallas Cowboys could hire Ron Rivera
How was he able to adapt to terminal defense?
The Cowboys felt confident enough to let Quinn walk even after he was coached and his unit was physically and graphically beaten. All of this could change for the better once Rivera arrives in Dallas. Despite suffering, the commander's defense remained strong. He took over the role after firing defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.
The Cowboys would benefit from hiring Rivera if he gets to work with big names like Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and Trevon Diggs. Anyone can find ultimate success if they can adjust behind a talented defense that has been built over the years. While Rivera is scheduled to meet with the Cowboys next week, he will have his tools ready and waiting. He remains a popular candidate for many teams around the league to fill their staffs.
The Cowboys could move quickly, so Rivera could get some attention despite having many options. This new role will give him a reset, even though he hasn't been a defensive coordinator in a decade. It was clear that Rivera was juggling too much work in his final years with his manager, so it would inevitably fall apart. He is now getting legitimate help from the performance of his players on the field.
Cowboys can keep options open
Other than available candidates, they could also rely on hiring Cowboys secondary coach Joe Whitt. Whitt has emerged as a top candidate to fill the defensive coordinator void. But the sweepstakes remains interesting, and Quinn might bring him in as a suitor in Washington. Dallas had better act fast before that happens.
Whitt worked with McCarthy for a long time in Green Bay, so he would be the obvious choice. They teamed up again in 2021 as Dallas' passing game coordinator. He worked with Quinn in Atlanta, so it's an obvious decision, but it could be difficult. The question is whether they will take the plunge and choose Rivera and leave Witt to Quinn.
That question will likely be answered soon, as the Cowboys are expected to keep their options wide open.
