5 possible Mike McCarthy replacements for Cowboys if disaster strikes

1. Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator

It's hard not to think the rumors surrounding Mike McCarthy being on the hot seat don't have something to do with the interest other teams reportedly have in Dan Quinn. Hired as the defensive coordinator in 2021, Quinn completely changed the entire culture on that side of the ball.

For years, they were bullied on defense and needed to be bailed out by elite offensive performances in order to win. It was also infuriating to watch opposing teams throw the ball with ease while their defensive backs never created turnovers.

Under Quinn, they became an attacking defense that led the league in takeaways. Trevon Diggs led the league in 2021 and now they have DaRon Bland leading the way. Bland even set the record for the most pick-sixes in a single season.

On top of that, Quinn put Micah Parsons in a position to succeed by allowing him to attack the quarterback. Dallas fans might still have nightmares about the team passing on T.J. Watt in favor of Taco Charlton because they felt he was a better fit. Quinn took the best player and ignored the measurables — which would have had him playing linebacker. He let Parsons attack the quarterback and he's now a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Quinn, who was a former head coach and nearly won a title with the Atlanta Falcons, is going to get another shot. Jerry Jones might be worried he's more responsible for the success in Big D than McCarthy. If so, he could decide to promote Quinn and look for an offensive coordinator to take over for McCarthy's play-calling.

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