Denver Broncos request to interview Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn

The  Dallas Cowboys wrapped up the regular season on Sunday night with a loss to the Washington Commanders, and according to Ian Rapoport, they could also lose a coordinator. The Denver Broncos have requested to interview defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who won the AP’s Assistant Coach of the Year honor in 2021.

Quinn interviewed with the Broncos last offseason – and almost every team with a head coaching vacancy – but returned to Dallas.

The former Falcons head coach ultimately signed a contract extension to stay in Dallas. 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.”

The Denver Broncos job seemed to pique his interest last offseason, however, they opted to hire Nathaniel Hackett. With Hackett now out at Mile High, Dallas fans are dealing with the prospect of losing Quinn once again.

The 52-year-old reportedly received a “substantial raise” the first time he chose to stick with the Cowboys. Jerry Jones may have to up the ante once again to keep him after the playoffs. Luckily for Dallas, the Broncos also have their eye on another famed former head coach.

Denver 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. He worked as an analyst for FOX, but his name has come up in coaching circles already this year after some mid-season turnover across the NFL.

During his time with the Saints, Payton amassed a 152-89 record from 2006-11 and 2013-21. He missed the 2012 season as a result of the “Bountygate” scandal and spent that year as the offensive coordinator at Liberty Christian School, where his son played.

The NFL said the Broncos can’t interview Payton in person until Jan. 17 at the earliest, Schefter said. However, they have permission to speak with him as they embark on their search to replace Nathaniel Hackett, who they fired 15 games into his tenure. 

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.