Cowboys fans' Dan Quinn dream is one step closer to coming true

Mike McCarthy returning is one thing, but running it back with Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator? That is the definition of insansity.

The Dallas Cowboys need some sort of shake-up among their coaching staff. Cowboys players publicly and privately defended McCarthy after the team's shocking first-round playoff exit, so you can understand why Jerry Jones was reluctant to pull the proverbial trigger and fire McCarthy.

But Quinn? His nightmarish game plan for the Packers had a snowball effect on the rest of team, McCarthy included. That's not to defend McCarthy shriveling up as a play-caller once adversity struck, but Quinn's approach and failure to adjust capsized the Cowboys chances of winning the game.

Following the loss, Cowboys fans are hoping for a change at defensive coordinator. However, the team will reportedly bring Quinn back if he doesn't land a coaching job. It still remains to be seen if Quinn gets a HC gig, but it's seemingly one step closer to coming to fruition following the latest coaching buzz.

Cowboys' Dan Quinn one step closer to landing head coaching job

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Quinn has secured a second interview for the Titans head coaching vacancy. He's one of three candidates headed to round two with Tennesse, including Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown and Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.

In addition to Tennessee, Quinn will have a second interview with the Commanders and Seahawks this week.

Quinn will meet with the Titans on Wednesday and Seattle on Thursday. The 53-year-old is expected to be one of, if not the, top candidate for the Seahawks vacancy. Quinn led Seattle to two Super Bowl appearances, including a title in 2013, in as many seasons while serving as their defensive coordinator.

Anything can happen during the hiring process, but it bodes well (for the Cowboys) that Quinn has three second-round interviews lined up. It appears Dallas' blowout playoff loss wasn't enough to foil Quinn's reputation as a HC candidate.

Quinn's reputation as one of the NFL's top defensive coordinators goes without saying, but his defenses regularly came up small in big games. Beyond that is his inability to outfox Shanahan-inspired offenses. He's a combined 0-6 against Shanahan, Matt LaFleur and Mike McDaniel as the Cowboys DC.

His defense also faded down the stretch of the regular season. They had no answers against the Seahawks and Bills, and gave up crucial drives against Seattle and the Dolphins. Quinn's approach in all three games was brought into question, as he played soft coverage allowing Seattle and Miami to score late.

We wouldn't go celebrating Quinn's departure just yet, but it sounds increasingly likely that he'll be a finalist for at least one of these job openings.

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