Cowboys DC Dan Quinn completes virtual head coaching interview with Panthers

The Carolina Panthers announced Wednesday they’ve completed an interview with Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for their head coaching vacancy.

Quinn, 53, has served as Cowboys defensive coordinator for the past three seasons. Dallas’ defense took a big jump in 2023, finishing as the No. 5 ranked unit in the league. Prior to joining the Cowboys, Quinn spent five plus seasons as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Quinn went 43-42, leading Atlanta to a Super Bowl defeat in 2016. The Falcons relieved him of his duties after an 0-5 start to the 2020 season. Quinn famously coached the “Legion of Boom” defense in Seattle, helping lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2013.

Quinn turned down head coaching opportunities last offseason in favor of returning to the Cowboys this season. He recently discussed the buzz surrounding him as a head coaching candidate this time around.

Dan Quinn ready for another shot to be an NFL HC

“I think it’s important to know how to compartmentalize,” Quinn said, via the team’s website. “Fortunately for me in that space, any preparation you would do on that is done over the summertime. If and when that time gets called, I would certainly be ready to discuss that at a moment’s notice. It’s pretty easy these days to compartmentalize. Quite honestly, the guys that I’m able to coach are a big reason why I wanted to be back here, so I’m not gonna let that moment miss one second.”

“I didn’t want to see anybody else coaching these guys, and there was unfinished business in my mind. That was a big reason for me knowing that I had unfinished business with them, and I wanted to see that through as much as I could. I absolutely feel that way again. It’s easy to compartmentalize when you stay here now. I live my life in that space anyway, so it’s not as complicated as you might think.”

Quinn is one of seven candidates to have interviewed virtually for the head coaching vacancy. Quinn joins Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith, Panthers interim head coach Chris Tabor and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, as well as Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. In-person interviews can’t commence until this Monday.