Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn addresses interest in rejoining head coach ranks

After earning the AP’s Assistant Coach of the Year honor in 2021, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn interviewed with almost every team with a head coaching vacancy in the offseason.

The former Falcons head coach ultimately signed a contract extension to stay in Dallas. However, 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 this 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 could be dealing with deja vu.

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.

Kellen Moore responds to head coaching interest

Like Quinn, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will be on the candidate list for several NFL general managers following the playoffs. The question is, will the former quarterback entertain offers?

After the 2021 season, Moore took interviews with the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he was not reported to have received offers for those jobs. With one game left in the 2022 regular season, there are already three head coaching positions open – the Denver Broncos, the Carolina Panthers and the Indianapolis Colts – and more to come.

“Not too worried about it right now,” Moore told reporters on Monday, via Jon Machota. “We’ll go through that process if we have to… I love it here.”

The third-year Cowboys coordinator didn’t explicitly say he would throw his hat into the ring again this offseason, but he made his high aspirations clear last year. It seems like it’s only a matter of time before the 33-year-old takes command of his own team.

For now, Moore is focused on helping the Cowboys beat Washington on Sunday. If the Eagles lose versus New York and Dallas wins versus Washington, the Cowboys will move from the No. 5 seed to No. 2, or even No. 1.