Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn addresses Denver Broncos interview request

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn had a chance to respond to the Denver Broncos’ request to interview him for their open head coaching position on Monday. Quinn told reporters that he is “flattered,” however, he wouldn’t divulge whether he will give the job further consideration.

“Anybody asks you, you’re flattered,” Quinn said before moving on to questions about the Cowboys’ preparation for the wild card game versus Tampa Bay.

The Denver Broncos requested to interview Quinn last year as well after he won the AP’s Assistant Coach of the Year honor. The job seemed to pique his interest, however, they opted to hire Nathaniel Hackett, which stopped the process from moving forward.

Quinn interviewed several teams last season but returned to Dallas. The former Falcons head coach ultimately signed a contract extension, which included a “substantial raise.” After once again helping the Cowboys to the playoffs, Quinn’s name is back at the top of candidate lists.

Asked about his interest in the head coach market last week, Quinn noted that only an opportunity that “lights him up” will get him to walk away from Dallas.

“I’m having a blast here,” Quinn said, via Jon Machota. “If down the line there’s an opportunity that lights me up, we’ll discuss it then.”

Quinn just wrapped up another successful season with Dallas. He helped the squad finish 12-5 with the No. 5 seed for the playoffs. His defense ranked No. 1 in takeaways for the second straight year, bolstered by five interceptions from rookie corner DaRon Bland.

Broncos to interview former Saints head coach Sean Payton

Denver has received permission to interview former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday.

Payton didn’t coach this year after stepping down as Saints head coach following the 2021 season. Instead of coaching, he worked as an analyst for FOX. The Broncos would have to agree to a hefty trade with the Saints to break his contract.

During his time with the Saints, Payton amassed a 152-89 record from 2006-11 and 2013-21.

The Broncos also conducted a virtual interview with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh this week. They also requested to interview LA Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and San Francisco defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. Per NFL rules, teams can’t begin in-person interviews until Jan. 16.