With Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s name in head coaching conversations this season, the team knows this could be the team’s last ride with the defensive coordinator.
Micah Parsons’ Father-Son Relationship With Quinn
Micah Parsons is no different in having this same realization.
Parsons has been with Quinn for the last three seasons, and it could be ending with the DC being a top candidate for multiple head coaching opportunities.
When the edge rusher was asked about the possibility of not having Quinn in the future, he said it comes with the nature of being in the NFL.
“It could possibly be my last ride with [Quinn], and if it is, we gonna make sure it’s a damn good one,” said Parsons.
Parsons has described Quinn as a father figure multiple times ahead of this season, and that hasn’t changed.
He echoed how much Quinn means to him, not just because of the impact he has on the football field for him but because of the mentor he is.
The two have open conversations that feel like a friendship, allowing Parsons to give feedback to his coach freely.
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“He doesn’t just treat me like a player; he treats me like a friend, and he’s always there for me when I need him, and we’re not afraid to have those hard conversations, you know, father to son or player to coach,” said Parsons.
He ended the conversation by adding, “Dan’s my guy, and if he do leave me, it’s always love. You know, he might take me with him. You never know,” and laughed at the end of his comments.
Jourdan Lewis’ Appreciation for Quinn
Parsons isn’t the only player who credits Quinn’s coaching style. Jourdan Lewis also discussed Quinn’s impact.
He described the coach as a person who is the “heart and soul” of the defense.
“He’s the head of the monster. He’s the heart and soul of this. He always preaches life into us,” said Lewis.
Lewis thanked Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. for revitalizing his career and not riding him off when others did, adding, “Just giving me the chance to go out there and play ball and just believe in me when a lot of guys run me off and seeing the talent that I have and capitalizing on it.”
But the players still know the task at hand, defeating the Packers on Sunday, and Quinn’s future moves aren’t wavering their focus.
Mike McCarthy’s Working Relationship With Quinn
In the last three seasons, Mike McCarthy and Quinn have led the team to 12 wins, which has yet to be done for the Cowboys since the 90s.
McCarthy discussed how well he and Quinn have worked together the last three years, saying they are ” common-minded” regarding how they look at the game, the team’s training, and how they stay in touch with their players’ development.
“Dan has a huge heart,” said McCarthy. “Has a great understanding of the human element and how it all fits together.”
McCarthy said the last three years have gone how he forecasted working with Quinn.
The head coach described his and Quinn’s relationship as “smooth as a working relationship” as he’s ever been a part of.
Although the fate of Quinn’s coaching tenure is still unknown, all focus is still on Sunday’s Wild Card Round game against the Green Bay Packers.
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