After his tenure as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, it’s no secret that Dan Quinn could be in the crosshairs of several teams looking for a new head coach. Last offseason, Quinn was among the finalists for the job with the Bears and Broncos. However, the former Falcons coach ultimately decided to stay in Dallas.
Now, less than a year later, Quinn would be back on Denver’s radar.
This Monday, the Broncos announced the firing of their head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Taking over this year, Hackett couldn’t turn the tide on a team that was expected a lot this year. This, especially, due to the millionaire incorporation of Russell Wilson as quarterback.
The Denver Brocnos have fired Nathaniel Hackett after just 15 games as head coach.
(Per @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/EFPvFW5R98
— DNVR Broncos (@DNVR_Broncos) December 26, 2022
Although the Broncos were excelling defensively, their offense is among the worst in the NFL in many ways. However, both units collapsed last Sunday losing 51-14 against the Rams. While both teams were already out of playoff options, this seemed to be the last straw regarding Hackett.
Once the news was known, reports and rumors began to emerge about the possible candidates to fill the position of Denver’s head coach. According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, sources in the league say the Broncos would be targeting these coaches:
- Dan Quinn (Cowboys – Defensive Coordinator)
- Darrell Bevell (Dolphins – quarterbacks coach / passing game coordinator)
- DeMeco Ryans (49ers – defensive coordinator)
- Eric Bienemy (Chiefs – offensive coordinator)
- Sean Payton (former Saints head coach)
- Shane Steichen (Eagles – offensive coordinator)
I’m told some initial names being discussed for the #Broncos head coach vacancy, per league source, include:
Dan Quinn
Darrell Bevell
Eric Bienemy
Sean Payton
Demeco Ryans
Shane Steichen— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 26, 2022
Regarding the #Broncosa league source emphasized fresh off conversations that from a macro view now “it makes sense” for Denver to bring in someone with familiarity with Russell Wilson, yet the process will play out.
Dan Quinn & Darrell Bevell fit that bill, at least off top..
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 26, 2022
On paper, Sean Payton would be the frontrunner considering he’d want to coach a team again next season. However, according to Josina Anderson, the Broncos might prefer someone familiar with quarterback Russell Wilson. Because of this, both Dan Quinn and Darrell Bevell would meet that requirement after meeting Wilson on the Seahawks.
If that list of candidates is true, we know that Quinn’s presence is due to two main reasons: knowing Wilson from his time in Seattle, and the fact that he was a finalist for the job last offseason. However, it remains to be seen if Quinn would be willing to consider that option again after what he saw with the Broncos this year.
In fact, the Broncos can be considered the disappointment of the season. With the addition of Russell Wilson as the new franchise quarterback, aside from several major reinforcements, Denver was seen by many as a potential contender in the tightly-fought AFC. However, not everything went as expected.
Russell Wilson has 53 passing yards in the first half vs. the #Panthers pic.twitter.com/Liq0T04C5m
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 27, 2022
The main reason is Wilson’s disappointing performance. The former Seattle player has had his season with the fewest touchdown passes in his career (12), falling far short of the 20 he achieved in 2014. To this, it is worth noting, is added the quarterback’s inability to connect with his offensive weapons . This was evident in week 5 against the Colts, which has been the worst game of the 2022 season so far.
Because of that, the Broncos would be looking for a head coach who can get the best out of Russell Wilson. This would be a tough challenge for whoever decides to take over, even though he is familiar with the quarterback. And this is something that Dan Quinn would have to consider if he decides to accept an interview for the position.
NFL changed its rules awhile back to allow for interviews during the last two weeks of the season.
While this helps with scheduling issues, it generally doesn’t lead to quicker hires or anything. Candidates want to see what their full market is. https://t.co/xzVQ1NL9Wk
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) December 26, 2022
It’s worth mentioning that the Broncos wouldn’t have to wait for the season to end to start the interviews. Following a rule change, the NFL allows active coaches to be interviewed during the last two weeks of the regular season. This, of course, with the respective permission of the teams where the candidates are working.
For now, it remains to be seen if the Broncos finally contact Dan Quinn to offer him the head coaching job. However, the defensive coordinator may want to stay in Dallas for another season. Or, wait until the season is over to see what other teams will have head coaching openings.
