The Dallas Cowboys have made the postseason twice under Mike McCarthy. While the offense gains a lot of media attention, the other side of the ball has been just as important to the success of the franchise.
If this team can become a Super Bowl team, the defense needs to continue delivering strong performances behind young stars Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs.
Who Is the Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator?
Dan Quinn is the Cowboys defensive coordinator. Before joining the Cowboys, Quinn was the head coach of the Falcons.
Quinn had a 43-42 record in Atlanta, including two postseason appearances. The Falcons made Super Bowl LI and built a 28-3 lead in the second half. The Patriots rallied to defeat the Falcons 34-28 in overtime. The Falcons went 24-29 following the devastating Super Bowl loss, and Quinn was fired after five games in 2020.
Before the Falcons, Quinn was the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks. In his two seasons in Seattle, Quinn’s defense led the league in yards allowed and points allowed. Four Seahawks defensive players were named to the Pro Bowl during Quinn’s tenure.
The Seahawks made the Super Bowl in both seasons, with the team defeating the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. Denver only scored eight points after leading the league with over 37 points per game.
Quinn started his coaching career in college for seven seasons, with stops at William & Mary, VMI, and Hofstra. He took a job with the 49ers as a defensive quality control coach in 2001. Quinn spent four seasons in San Francisco. He then spent two seasons each as a defensive line coach with the Dolphins, Jets, and Seahawks.
Quinn moved back to college with Florida to be the defensive coordinator. After two seasons with the Gators, he was named the Seahawks defensive coordinator.
How Long Has Dan Quinn Been the Cowboys Defensive Coordinator?
Quinn has been the Cowboys defensive coordinator for two seasons. The team was ranked in the top seven for scoring defense in both seasons in Dallas. Parsons and Diggs were named first-team All-Pro in Quinn’s first season. Parsons was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Quinn was named AP Assistant Coach of the Year the same season.
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Quinn has interviewed for head coaching jobs following both seasons in Dallas but has stayed with the team.
Who Was the Defensive Coordinator Before Quinn?
Mike Nolan was the Cowboys defensive coordinator in 2020. Dallas was 28th in points allowed under Nolan, and the Cowboys finished 6-10 in McCarthy’s first season in Dallas.
