by Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has informed teams that he is no longer pursuing a head coaching position and will remain in his current position in 2023.
The update was reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Thursday, after Quinn was interviewed for head coaching roles with the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos this offseason.
The Cowboys’ defense has been transformed under Quinn over the past two seasons, ranking seventh in points in 2021 (21.1 points allowed per game) and fifth this season (20.1).
Quinn was named Assistant Coach of the Year by The Associated Press in 2021.
Addressing the positive news for the franchise, head coach Mike McCarthy expressed his relief at retaining one of his most valued assistants.
“We’re all extremely excited to have Dan back,” he said. “I spoke with Dan a short time ago, and it’s important for us.
“It gives us continuity, certainly in what we’ve established over the last two years, to build on from that. And frankly, on a personal note, I can’t tell you how grateful I am.”
The Cowboys head into the offseason looking to improve on a promising — but ultimately disappointing — 2022 campaign. After a 12-5 regular season record, Dallas managed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card Round, but lost 19-12 to the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round on Sunday.
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore continues to be interviewed for head coaching positions.
Despite keeping Quinn and head coach Mike McCarthy in place, the Cowboys coaching staff will have several new faces in 2023 after the club opted out of renewing the contracts of six assistants.
Among the coaches who will not return next season are assistant head coach Rob Davis and senior defensive assistant George Edwards, as well as offensive line coach and former Miami Dolphins head Joe Philbin.
Edwards and Quinn received most of the credit for developing two-time All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons.
A journeyman defensive line coach from 2003-2012, Quinn rose to prominence as the Seattle Seahawks’ defense coordinator in 2013-14, led by the secondary “Legion of Boom.”
The Seahawks made back-to-back Super Bowl appearances in those two seasons and won a title.
Quinn left Seattle to become head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, a position he held for six seasons with a 43-42 record and a Super Bowl appearance.
