Mike McCarthy confirms Dan Quinn will return to Dallas for another season: 'This is big for us'

After two tough days of coaching evaluations that resulted in six non-renewals on his staff, Mike McCarthy was able to confirm on Thursday afternoon that Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is staying for at least another season.

Although McCarthy skirted around questions about the team’s plans for offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the Dallas skipper said during his press conference on Thursday afternoon that he believed the answer on Quinn’s future would come “sooner rather than later.” NFL reporter Tom Pelissero broke the news just minutes after the press conference wrapped.

“We’re all extremely excited to have Dan back,” McCarthy said, via Jon Machota. “This is big for us. It gives us continuity. Frankly, on a personal note, I can’t tell you how thankful I am.”

Quinn had completed a second interview with the Arizona Cardinals and had a second arranged with the Indianapolis Colts for Saturday. However, per the breaking news report, “his heart is in Dallas and he wants to win a Super Bowl there.”

Dan Quinn ready to win Super Bowl with Cowboys

McCarthy put Quinn’s reasoning into his own words with reporters.

“I think it’s a bunch of reasons,” McCarthy said. “I think it’s the staff, it’s the players… He’s been a head coach, he understands at this point of his life how hard it is to win a Super Bowl. All of those things play into that. Clearly, Dan is in a position to be selective. And I’m extremely excited about the decision.”

After the news broke, Quinn exchanged messages with a reporter, confirming the news.

“Happy here and unfinished business to complete!!!” Quinn texted NFL reporter Albert Breer.

As the season neared its end, the former Atlanta head coach told reporters he would only leave Dallas for an opportunity that really “lights him up.” It appears that opportunity has not yet arrived, much to the Cowboys’ benefit.