Cowboys' First Defensive Coordinator Interviews Include Surprise Name

With Dan Quinn being named the new head coach of the Washington Commanders, the Dallas Cowboys are searching for their next defensive coordinator. Quinn spent the last three seasons as Dallas’ DC and played a significant role in their success.

Whoever takes over for Quinn next season has big shoes to fill, but they have the talent to put up similar or better results. 

Nonetheless, Dallas has already started the interview process as they’ve reportedly spoken with former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.

We knew Dallas was interested or planned to interview both former head coaches. However, Watkins also reported that the Cowboys spoke with current defensive line coach Aden Durde.

The 44-year-old Durde has been the Cowboys’ defensive line coach since 2021 and has never been a defensive coordinator. 

Durde has done a great job with the Cowboys’ defensive line, as Micah Parsons has become one of the premier pass rushers in the league. He’s also gotten excellent production out of Dorance Armstrong Jr., who has recorded 21 sacks over the last three years.

Durde is the wild card out of the bunch for the Cowboys’ DC job, but this isn’t the first interview he’s received this offseason for a DC role. The 44-year-old spoke with the Seattle Seahawks about their vacant defensive coordinator job, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

He’s also interviewed with the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Rams about their defensive coordinator openings but didn’t get any of them. 

Nonetheless, it seems like the young defensive line coach is getting interest from other teams in the NFL. Dallas should take note of that as they look for their next defensive coordinator.’

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