Cowboys already have replacement in mind if DC Dan Quinn leaves

Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator for Dallas, may return to the head coaching position, but the Cowboys have already

identified a possible successor.

If Ron Rivera, a 53-year-old DC, decides to depart, the Cowboys may pursue the former Washington Commanders and Carolina

Panthers head coach, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

Meanwhile, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, Quinn will be interviewing with the Commanders again on Tuesday.

According to reports, he had a second meeting with the Seattle Seahawks last week.

In his four years as DC from 2013 to 2014, he helped Seattle win its first Super Bowl and helped shape players like CB Richard Sherman.

It wouldn’t be shocking if the organization appointed him as its next HC given his close links to it.

If Quinn accepts either position, Rivera would make a good stand-in.

He spent six seasons as the Bears’ and Chargers’ defensive coordinator.

The Commanders finished in the top five in the league in yards and points allowed twice during their four seasons in Washington.

The Commanders allowed the fewest points (30.5) and yards (388.9) in the league during his last season with the team.

\But they dealt their best pass rushers, Montez Sweat (Bears) and Chase Young (49ers), before the deadline, citing the regression.

With a roster that has 2023 Defensive Player of the Year candidates linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback DaRon Bland,

Rivera, 62, should be successful.

Still, if Quinn stays, that would be great for Dallas. Under the 2021 Assistant Coach of the Year, the Cowboys have placed

first in takeaways two times and among the top five in points allowed three times in his three seasons in charge.

According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, the Cowboys will retain Quinn if he doesn’t land an HC job.

At this point, though, count on the former Atlanta Falcons HC getting another opportunity.