The Dallas Cowboys are getting ready to host the Green Bay Packers, but most of the NFL has entered the offseason. Several teams have head coach, general manager and offensive and defensive coordinator vacancies that need filling.
Mike McCarthy has assembled an excellent coaching staff and it appears the staff might finally succumb to the annual hiring cycle. It's still early in the process, but teams in need of coaches have already identified Dan Quinn as a potential candidate.
Quinn has received interview requests from the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers, per reports.
With teams moving in a hurry to finalize hirings and get on with other offseason happenings, Quinn is expected to take interviews with each team at the end of next week, regardless if the Cowboys advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn is planning on taking the interviews with the Commanders, Panthers and Chargers, per source. The last two years, he’s taken interviews, but eventually pulled his name out.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 9, 2024
Quinn’s interviews likely to take place at the end of next week. https://t.co/EEWFYeNbTf
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn seems destined to leave for a head coaching job
Quinn has gone through two hiring cycles as the Cowboys defensive coordinator. He elected to remain with Dallas each time, but that could change this offseason.
The Dallas Morning News reported last week that Quinn will be more "receptive" to head coach offerings" this year because he's built the Cowboys defense to a place where it can achieve sustained success even if he leaves.
Of the three teams that want to interview Quinn, the Chargers are without question the most appealing job. Their salary cap situation isn't enviable, but they have a franchise QB in Justin Herbert and a lot of talent on defense.
Ironically, Quinn might battle with his former offensive coordinator for the Chargers gig, as LA reportedly plans to interview Kellen Moore for the head coaching position. This comes as surprise, as Moore's underwhelmed in his first year as Chargers play-caller before injuries devastated the offense.
Cowboys fans will be monitoring the Bolts' interview process even closer now.
Cowboys star executive Will McClay generating GM interest
This news worries Cowboys fans more so than Quinn receiving multiple interview requests, and rightfully so.
Per reports, the Panthers have requested to interview Will McClay, Dallas' Vice President of Player Personnel, for their general manager position, while the Commanders have requested to interview McClay for their head of football operations job.
Confirming other reports: the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers have asked for permission to speak with Cowboys VP of Player Personnel Will McClay. He's been Cowboys lead personnel person since 2014.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 9, 2024
McClay is no longer the best-kept secret in the NFL, even if Jerry Jones and Stephon Jones do their best to overshadow the marvelous work he's done since 2014. McClay oversees the Cowboys' draft process and has an influential role in free agent and trade acquisitions. His fingerprints are all over the current roster.
Though McClay doesn't receive the plaudits of other premier GMs, the Cowboys value him tremendously. Not only that, but McClay is comfortable in Dallas. Jerry Jones might own the de facto GM title and have final say in personnel decisions, but make no mistake: McClay is the chief string-puller.
If the team is truly wary that McClay could leave, Jerry Jones could offer him another promotion or add more zeroes to his contract.
Mike Vrabel's firing gives Cowboys potential Mike McCarthy replacement
Thanks to the aforementioned Jerry Jones, a lot has been made about Mike McCarthy's future with the Cowboys.
Though Jones has praised McCarthy throughout the season, he left he door open for a potential coaching change this week when he said "we'll see how each (playoff) game goes" when asked about McCarthy's future.
We'd be surprised if Jones moved on from McCarthy but a dream replacement became available after the Titans shockingly fired Mike Vrabel. The 48-year-old Vrabel made the playoffs six times in four seasons, was named Coach of the Year in 2021 and led Tennessee to the AFC Championship Game in 2019.
He's an outstanding leader of men and he passes all of the tests in terms of game and clock management. Better yet? Vrabel isn't looking to join a rebuilding team. It's admittedly a long shot, but Vrabel could be a name to watch if the Cowboys end up pulling the plug on McCarthy.