Dan Quinn is a hot candidate for an NFL head coaching job.
It’s easy to forget that he mentored the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance and led the team to the playoffs twice.
It was also under his guidance that Matt Ryan became league MVP.
He also won a Super Bowl as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
Dan Quinn is almost certainly leaving the #DallasCowboys but should fans actually be upset about that?
Our buddy, Sideline Mike, called in from Atlanta with some receipts:#NFL #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/JiOVCNnFC3
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) January 20, 2022
In 2021, Quinn molded the Dallas Cowboys defense into a unit that ranked seventh in points allowed at 21.1 per game.
He also helped the likes of Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs become defensive cornerstones.
His accomplishments will be at the forefront when other teams hire a new tactician.
However, these are the teams that can use his services the most.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Yes, the Cowboys finished the regular season at 12-5.
But that disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers at home during Super Wild Card Weekend will trigger some changes.
If team owner Jerry Jones decides to shake up things, Mike McCarthy will be the most likely fall guy.
His clock management blunders will do more harm when not addressed immediately.
Besides, it’s unclear what his role is within the organization.
.@mspears96 says he'd promote Dan Quinn to head coach of the Cowboys before losing him 👀
"I wanna at least go with a guy that I saw [have] a marketable improvement, and Dan Quinn the only one on this staff that I saw that from." pic.twitter.com/B7o56uNStw
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 19, 2022
Kellen Moore calls the plays on offense while Quinn takes care of their defensive schemes.
Therefore, it would be better for Jones to fire McCarthy and elevate one of their coordinators.
If Moore attracts opportunities elsewhere, Quinn can take over as head coach.
He did succeed at that position for the Falcons not too long ago.
Besides, he already planted the foundation of the Cowboys’ defense with Parsons, Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence.
If Jerry really doesn't want to lose Dan Quinn, he should fire McCarthy and elevate Quinn. At least he brings energy, charisma, LIFE. At least he had the GOAT down 28-3 in a Super Bowl. He'd definitely give this team a better chance to win. But no, Jerry, he wouldn't be a puppet.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 18, 2022
However, Dallas can take the next step forward by generating more pressure to rattle opposing quarterbacks.
Likewise, Diggs must learn to become a shutdown cornerback who does not give up big plays.
He does have a ton of interceptions, but he’s also guilty of surrendering huge gains.
Quinn can oversee these developments if he stays in Dallas, especially if he becomes head coach.
1. Minnesota Vikings
Mike Zimmer tried to mold the Minnesota Vikings defense into an elite unit for years.
But despite being regarded as a defensive genius, the team wasn’t consistently good at shutting down opponents.
Allowing the Detroit Lions to get their first win in almost a year is a stain that will take time to shake off.
However, Minnesota already has the pieces to build on, and all they need is a coach that can bring a fresh perspective.
Until next season, @usbankstadium. pic.twitter.com/nt3PGb0rdD
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 20, 2022
The Vikings finished second in sacks behind the Pittsburgh Steelers with 51.
They already have studs on the defensive line like D.J. Wonnum, Danielle Hunter, and Everson Griffen.
Minnesota also has linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr, who combined for 7.5 sacks.
Bashaud Breeland and Harrison Smith man their secondary.
We have completed an interview with Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn for our open Head Coach position.
📰: https://t.co/ABfdiRE90M pic.twitter.com/jXTxDNmCqI
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 19, 2022
Combining these talented players with Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson should make the Vikings a consistent playoff contender.
They will need someone with winning experience to guide them, and Quinn fits the bill.
He could be the defensive guru who can bring the Vikings to the next level.
NEXT: Is Brandon Staley The Right Fit With The Chargers?