DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was one of the hottest head coaching candidates in the offseason before he announced that he was returning to Dallas, and all the head coaching vacancies were filled.
In an interview with Jori Epstein of USA Today, Quinn said “there will be a time when I’m definitely interested” in being a head coach again, but wasn’t “quite ready” to move on from what he believes is a special Cowboys defense.
“From the defensive side, I said, ‘[Expletive], I don’t want to see anybody else coaching this defense in 2022.’…I felt like there was a lot here that I wanted to accomplish with this group, and I would’ve missed it.
“I didn’t want to miss it.”
If things don't go well for the Cowboys in 2022, Quinn might just find himself in charge of not only the defense but the whole team, as its next head coach.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn't do McCarthy any favors when he said in an offseason interview that Quinn could be the next man up after McCarthy moves on. Jones attempted to backtrack from those comments on multiple occasions, and also denied that he had an interest in bringing in former Saints head coach Sean Payton, but the damage was already done.
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The awkward comments forced McCarthy into the uncomfortable position of answering questions about his job security several times in the offseason.
The situation could have led to increased tension between McCarthy and Quinn, but the head coach put aside his pride during an offseason conversation with his defensive coordinator.
“I was like, ‘Hey man, let’s talk about it and see what you think,'" Quinn said his talk with McCarthy, via Epstein. “‘If it’s easier for to me go, just say the word and I’m gone.’ Then he kind of laughed and said, ‘You know, if this was 10 years ago, I’d say yeah, it would help for you to go. But I don’t want to say that right now. Because I think winning is better with you here.'”
And McCarthy's right, because having Quinn at his side this season gives him a better chance to keep his job.
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