Sources: Cowboys, Dan Quinn Plan Reunion Depending on Washington Hire
FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys are playing host this week as the Shrine Bowl comes to town. Staged here in Frisco, at the Cowboys headquarters, the All-Star event helps prepare teams for the upcoming NFL Draft.
On Monday, Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was spotted at The Star. He was wearing Cowboys apparel and was seen talking to Dallas offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and vice president of player personnel Will McClay.
But then he jetted off to Washington, where we believe he is one of three finalists left standing for that job - with sources telling us that Dallas and Quinn are planning a reunion and continues relationship should he not get that job.
Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn talk at midfield prior to a game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
It was cool to see Quinn at the Shrine event. It’s certainly better news than discord among the coaching staff, but no, Quinn participating in routine pre-draft events isn’t a significant indication of what’s to come.
Nor are there guarantees here; if there were, Quinn would be the boss with the Seattle Seahawks, but they just hired Mike Macdonald from the Ravens.
Same thing with the Washington Commanders, who favored Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before he turned them down.
We've got some pose compelling questions/hints that include one never-say-never note ...
*How much 'power' does Quinn want in his next gig?
*Can he bring/have his pick of offensive and defensive coordinators? Probably. Can he also bring his own personnel guy(s)?
*Pete Carroll is now gone in Seattle. DQ is a "Pete guy.'' Did that make him 'not a (GM) John Schneider guy'?
*Would the Commanders follow up one defensive-minded head coach (Ron Rivera) with another?
*Are there "non-football guys'' making Washington decisions, and if so, would they prefer the "flash'' of the offensive-minded (Ben Johnson)?
And one more: We know what the Cowboys front office thought going into the week about bringing Quinn back of possible. And we know what Quinn thought.
We don't see any reason for that to change, and for anything to change our sources' views. For now, Dallas’ defensive coordinator is simply doing what he’s getting paid to do (check out prospects) and what he owes to himself (a shot at being in charge.)
