With their new general manager in place, the Cardinals are continuing their search for a new head coach. That process could be nearing an end, as their second round of interviews is set to begin tonight. 
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Arizona will conduct an in-person meeting with Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn tonight (Twitter link). Arizona had met virtually with the 52-year-old this past weekend, as he and the Cowboys were preparing for their game against the 49ers. With Dallas having lost that contest, Quinn is free to meet with prospective teams during the week, meaning clarity on his future could be coming soon.
Quinn has also undergone first interviews with the Broncos and Colts; Pelissero notes that both of those teams are also interested in lining up a second meeting in the coming days. That comes as little surprise, given how highly-regarded Quinn is during this year’s coaching cycle, as he was last offseason as well. His decision to ultimately remain in Dallas for 2022 paid dividends for the Cowboys, who finished the regular season with the league’s No. 5 scoring defense.
To open up the playoffs, Quinn’s unit held the Buccaneers to 14 points and an average of only 4.8 yards per play. On Sunday, they delivered another noteworthy performance by limiting San Francisco to 19 points, 3.5 yards per carry and less than 200 passing yards. That has, unsurprisingly, kept him squarely on the radar to receive a second head coaching opportunity.
Quinn spent five-plus years as Atlanta’s bench boss, a stint which was highlighted by a Super Bowl appearance. His tenure with the Falcons was preceded by a pair of seasons as the Seahawks’ DC, so a move to Arizona would mean a return to the NFC West. It would also allow new GM Monti Ossenfort to shift the coaching staff to a defensive mind as a replacement for Kliff Kingsbury. Such a move has been hinted at by Arizona’s DC Vance Joseph being named an early candidate to take on the job, along with Brian Flores being rumored to be a serious contender and multiple other defensive staffers receiving interest.
With Quinn set to kick off the second round of Arizona’s interviews, here is the current breakdown of their search:
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Brian Flores, linebackers coach (Steelers): Interviewed 1/23, favorite?
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/21
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/18
- Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/21; to conduct second interview 1/24
- Sean Payton, former head coach (Saints): To interview 1/26
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Colts): Interviewed 1/17
- DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview on hold?
Some dudes were meant to be Coordinators. Dan Quinn is a competent HC, and hed get paid more as a HC, but in AZ hed be fired in 2 or 3 years if that squad isn’t making the ppayoffs.
Absolutely. If Jones is smart, I know…..They part with Moore and keep Quinn even if it means paying him like a HC as he deserves it for what he’s done in Big D. But this all hinges on Jones and smart! So has a DAL lifer thats a frightening gamble!
Similar to Garrett back in the day…paid him large $ as an OC to keep him.
That didn’t work out so well though.
If Jones were smart, he’d fire McCarthy and get Payton.
Why? They both have similar resumes. Jones needs to fire Dak.
Don’t understand why they would consider a Retread like Quinn. Great coordinating defense but not an HC. Also why would they want a defensive coach when Murray is such a mess? How many defensive coaches were left in the round of 8 this last weekend. 1 Buffalo and they are out. Bidwell as owner can’t get out of his own way. 76 years and counting.
Don’t do it Dan! We here in AZ know how this plays out…
Please Cardinals hire him. I don’t want him in Denver