The Dallas Cowboys will have some turnover on their coaching staff after all, as Dan Quinn was hired to be the next head coach of the Washington Commanders. In a perfect world, the Cowboys would have looked internally to replace Quinn. That would've allowed for a seamless transition post-Quinn.
However, all signs point to defensive passing game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. becoming Quinn's defensive coordinator in Washington. That comes as a surprise, as Whitt is on the record saying becoming the Cowboys' DC was his dream job.
Things change, though, and now the Cowboys will likely look outside the organization for Quinn's replacement. They already have one interview lined up with a polarizing candidate, but other names have been floated by team reporters.
More candidates could join the running when all is said and done. Until those folks enter the picture, let's rank the candidates that we know are being considered from worst to best, shall we?
3. Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera was the first name mentioned to replace Dan Quinn, with David Moore of the Dallas Morning News reporting he's due for an interview next week. Rivera is by far the least popular rumored candidate among fans, as his Washington defenses underperformed in all but one season during his tenure as head coach.
That's despite the Commanders investing a lot of draft capital into their defense. This past season, they ranked dead-last in points and yards allowed per game.
Again, we're talking about a defense that up until this year's trade deadline boasted four first-round picks on the defensive line, including Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat, Chase Young and DaRon Payne. In the secondary, they had the perennially underrated Kendall Fuller and a future Pro Bowler at safety in Kamren Curl.
The defense wasn't bereft of talent, and yet Rivera couldn't accentuate its potential. Not a great look for a defensive-minded coach. Yes, Rivera had success as a defensive coordinator early in his coaching career, but that was 14 years ago. He might be a strong leader and command respect in the locker room, but that's far from the only qualification needed to be deserving of the job.
2. Brandon Staley
Brandon Staley is an easy punchline around the league given how his Chargers tenure ended, but make no mistake: he's a smart defensive mind. The question is how his scheme would fit the Cowboys' personnel, especially since Dallas is thin at linebacker.
It's a notable departure from Quinn's scheme, so there will be initial growing pains. There's also concerns about how he'd use the Cowboys safeties, which were indispensable for most of Quinn's time as DC.
Jayron Kearse is likely to leave in free agency. As a classic ball-hawking free safety, Malik Hooker would be fine, but Donovan Wilson? Despite an All-Pro nod and three Pro Bowls, Derwin James was wildly inconsitent under Staley. Chargers fans will be the first to tell you James is "overrated," which can be attributed to his baffling usage in Staley's system.
Beyond that is the fact LA couldn't stop the run under Staley. When you combine the last three seasons, the Chargers D ranked 30th in EPA per rush and last in rushing success rate. They were also a poor tackling team under Staley. Again, though, LA's personnel pales in comparison to that of the Cowboys as far as talent.
Staley is far from a perfect candidate, but he's a strong X's and O's coach and the different look he'd bring relative to Quinn's scheme is exciting.
1. Mike Zimmer
Who would've thought, right? It's unclear if the Cowboys will interview Mike Zimmer, but the Dallas Morning News reported on Thursday that Zimmer is interested in the job. Zimmer actually served as Cowboys defensive coordinator from 2000-06, so he has experience working under Jerry Jones.
That is vitally important, as is his history as a head coach. We all know the Joneses love targeting old school coaches who have robust resumes and Zimmer fits that bill. It's what drew them to Mike McCarthy back in 2020 and would explain why Ron Rivera is already slated for an interview.
Zimmer's Vikings defenses flamed out near the end of his tenure, but they were among the best in the NFL for a short period. Remember the days of Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr, Xavier Rhodes, Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen? Zimmer got the most out of those studs, but he made a name for himself with the Cowboys.
He joined in 1994 as an assistant under Barry Switzer and served as defensive backs coach for five seasons before he was promoted to DC in 2000.
More importantly, Zimmer has the adaptability to oversee any defense. He's known for his Double A-gap blitz and his history of developing defensive backs --namely Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith -- bodes well for Dallas, which has no shortage of talent in the backend.
The willingness to adjust on the fly would be a sight for sore eyes as Quinn stuck to his strengths no matter what play-caller stood on the enemy sidelines. As of this writing, Zimmer is our top choice to replace Quinn.