6 Cowboys Defenders on the Chopping Block if Dan Quinn Leaves
By Randy Gurzi
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This time last year, it would have seemed like a disaster for the Dallas Cowboys if they were to lose Dan Quinn. The former Atlanta Falcons head coach turned their struggling defense into one of the best in the NFL and it seemed as though this team could take on anyone as long as Quinn was calling the plays on defense.
During the 2023 season, he continued to put together some impressive games. Not only were they dominant at home but they were once again taking the ball away at an alarming rate. DaRon Bland even set the record for the most pick-sixes in a single year.
That all came to a crashing halt when Quinn's defense was steamrolled by the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs -- at home. Now, it feels as though it would be a welcome change if Quinn took a head coaching job elsewhere. If he did, that could be an issue for these six players.
6. Viliami Fehoko Jr., DL
A fourth-round pick in 2023, Viliami Fehoko, Jr. had an impressive career for San Jose State. He recorded 23 sacks and 46 tackles for a loss. And at 6-foot-4 and 267 pounds, he's built to play defensive end at the next level.
Quinn, however, seemed to prefer him in the middle of the line. Fehoko didn't see the field as a rookie but during camp and the preseason, he was working in a 3-tech role similar to Chauncey Golston. Should Quinn leave, there's a chance Feoko kicks back out to the edge.
If so, he might be in trouble. Fehoko spent the entire 2023 campaign learning a new position and that could hinder his growth going forward.