3 Dan Quinn replacements Cowboys should already have on speed dial

The Dallas Cowboys could experience significant turnover on their coaching staff this season. Whispers have already started surrounding head coach Mike McCarthy, whose future could hinge on the team's playoff success. It's far more likely, though, that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn departs for a head coaching job.

As of this writing, the Chargers, Panthers and Commanders have formally requested to interview Quinn for their head coach vacancies.

It's no surprise that Quinn is in-demand around the league. He took over a lousy defense when he was hired in 2021 and turned it into one of the best in the NFL, albeit with improved personnel. He took multiple HC interviews last offseason, but ultimately decided to stay in Dallas.

The Cowboys might not be as fortunate this time around and they'd be smart to already be crafting a shortlist of replacements for Quinn.

3. Wink Martindale, Giants DC

Wink Martindale reportedly intends to resign from his post as Giants defensive coordinator over a supposed rift with head coach Brian Daboll. It's another reason to laugh at the Giants, as Wink's defense kept their neck above water all season while Daboll's offense sputtered.

Incredibly, the Giants tied the Ravens, who might flaunt the NFL's best defense, for the best turnover differential this season at +12. New York also tied the Bills stifling defense with the most takeaways of any team at 31. Try wrapping your mind around that.

It's a testament to Martindale's defensive genius that a six-win team ranked so prominently in the turnover department, but his success extends beyond East Rutherford. The Ravens thrice led the league in defense when Martindale was their defensive coordinator.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford called Martindale "as challenging of a coordinator as there is to go against," before LA faced the Giants in Week 17. Martindale's blitz-focused scheme could move mountains on a Dallas defense that boasts playmakers at all three levels.