The Dallas Cowboys are now in the market for a new defensive coordinator. Dan Quinn agreed to become the Washington Commanders head coach on Thursday. Quinn has been in Dallas since 2021 where he quickly transformed the Cowboys' defense into one of the best units in the league.
With a new void on Dallas' staff rolling into a high-pressure season in 2024, the Cowboys will have their hands full. Despite all of that, they have a defensive unit that features stars like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs who will be returning from a torn ACL next season.
There are a few interesting options that Dallas could target to replace Quinn.
1. Ron Rivera
Wouldn't that be funny? Quinn is now the lead man in Washington and Rivera could end up in Dallas. They could essentially be swapping spots. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys have an interest in Rivera becoming the defensive coordinator.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay: Kliff Kingsbury is likely to be an OC in the NFL in 2024; The #Ravens coaching staff is in demand this coaching cycle; If Dan Quinn gets a head coaching job, could Ron Rivera replace him with the #Cowboys? pic.twitter.com/neYoudGk4H
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 28, 2024
The 62-year-old had plenty of success across seven seasons as defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers. He coached a top 5 total defense in three different seasons from 2005-2010. Rivera's units also ranked Top 5 in scoring defense from 2005-2007.
Notably, Rivera was last a defensive coordinator in 2010, which was 14 years ago but he's shown the ability to be a leader of men. The California native has been a head coach since 2011 but maybe taking a step back and just focusing on one unit will help Rivera regain that groove.
2. Brandon Staley
This name might not be too thrilling for Dallas fans but this could be a fresh start. Brandon Staley had an uninspiring three-year run with the Los Angeles Chargers. He was relieved of his duties on Dec. 15, 2023 but is looking to get back in the coaching circle. Staley had interviewed with the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers for their vacant defensive coordinator positions.
The 41-year-old did have difficulty being the lead man but that doesn't mean he can't thrive focusing on one specific group. As the Rams defensive coordinator in 2020, Los Angeles was first in the league in both total defense (281.9) and pass defense (190.7) but third in rushing defense (91.3).
Additionally, they led the NFL in points allowed (18.5). This highlighted Stanley's knack for leading a disruptive defense.
Staley could be a sneaky hire following his Chargers tenure going up in flames. He was once a hot head-coaching candidate following his work on defense in Los Angeles, though his stock's now taken a big hit. That will make him incredibly motivated to earn the league's overwhelming respect again.
His current situation is reminiscent of Quinn, who enjoyed his own rise as a defensive coordinator before taking over as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. While the Falcons had more success with Quinn than the Chargers had with Staley, the former was still ushered out after disappointing results near the end of his stint.
That firing eventually led him to Dallas, where he made his mark again and landed another HC job. Perhaps Staley could follow a similar path working with the same talent Quinn had at his disposal.
3. Mike Vrabel
Surprisingly, Vrabel was fired by the Tennessee Titans on Jan. 9. He's certainly a top candidate on the market but was passed over for any open-heading coaching position. That could benefit Dallas, though.
Vrabel is the definition of a culture-changer and alpha. Over six seasons in Tennessee, the 48-year-old went 54-45. He led the Titans to an AFC Championship Game in 2019, which started three straight playoff runs.
As a former player, Vrabel has a different way of connecting with his players. The potential addition of Vrabel would provide the Cowboys with a certified "CEO" on that side of the ball. Head coach Mike McCarthy likes to have former NFL head coaches running his defense and Vrabel would fit the bill.
Of course, Vrabel's hiring would be contingent on him being open to a demotion. Given his résumé, he may think this is an undeserved step down. It would also limit his options in the short term, as he's expected to be a prime HC candidate next offseason when more openings are available.
McCarthy may not like a coach who's used to having a ton of power looking over his shoulder, either. After all, Vrabel molded his Titans teams around his identity and operated as a de facto GM, so his arrival could set the stage for a power struggle.
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