3 Dan Quinn replacements Cowboys should already have on their radar
By Jerry Trotta
2. Joe Whitt Jr.
Whitt Jr. is undoubtedly the leading internal candidate to succeed Quinn. The Cowboys current secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator, Whitt was in the running for the defensive coordinator vacancy in 2021 when he was brought over following the firing of then-DC Mike Nolan.
Quinn ultimately got the job, but Whitt has done great work over his two years in Dallas. As a former defensive assistant for the Packers during McCarthy’s run in Green Bay, Whitt has significant familiarity with the coaching staff. That should never be understated during the hiring process.
It’s why Nathaniel Hackett (who also worked with McCarthy in Green Bay) has been floated as a potential replacement for Kellen Moore.
In 2022, the Cowboys’ pass defense finished top-10 in completion percentage, yards per attempt, passing yards, interceptions, and sacks.
Whitt doesn’t deserve all the credit for that, but he was influential in the secondary’s performance and has overseen the development of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, and ascents of Donovan Wilson, Jayron Kearse, and Malik Hooker.