FORT WORTH, Texas — While owner Jerry Jones is continuing to evaluate the coaching staff, the Dallas Cowboys got some good news Thursday morning when defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has made it clear he is returning for the 2022 season.
Six teams had requested head coaching interviews with Quinn.
He was a finalist for jobs with Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears before those teams chose Green Bay offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Indianapolis defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, respectively, on Thursday.
Quinn, who also interviewed with the New York Giants, the Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings, has now informed prospective teams he is longer interested.
He wants to return Dallas and try to win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys. If he does, he will be a top coaching candidate again next season.
It also helps solidify the standing of Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy for 2022.
Although McCarthy’s security has yet to be fully endorsed by Jones, the return of Quinn and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who also had a couple of head coaching interviews, should appease the situation.
Jones was disappointed the team lost in the wild-card playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers after going 12-5 and winning the NFC East during the regular season.
The Cowboys have 21 unrestricted free agents to make decisions on and a tougher schedule to navigate in 2022.
But getting Quinn back is already the biggest move of the offseason.
A year after allowing a franchise-record 473 points and giving up second most yards and rushing yards in club history, Quinn keyed a turnaround performance by the Cowboys defense.
The Cowboys led the NFL in takeaways with 34 and finished seventh in points per game.
