Ex-Falcons HC Dan Quinn named Panthers candidate

Dan Quinn

The Falcons have the longest-tenured head coach in the NFC South. Arthur Smith is in his second season at the helm in Atlanta, while the Saints and Buccaneers promoted from within, hiring their 2021 defensive coordinators — Todd Bowles and Dennis Allen. And the Panthers will soon be hiring a new head coach after Carolina fired Matt Rhule on Monday amid his third season on the job.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic compiled a list of potential candidates that are generating the most buzz after talking to several executives. And former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn was mentioned.

Quinn’s name comes up in every conversation, and it’d be a shock if the ex-Falcons head coach is not a head coach again in 2023. He has turned the Cowboys defense into one of the league’s most aggressive units since his arrival in 2021. Quinn was a hot name in last year’s cycle before he pulled himself from the running to return to Dallas. With the way the Cowboys defense (sixth in DVOA) is playing, Quinn might be able to pick his landing spot. He is a respected leader, and his experience as an NFL head coach should be especially intriguing to the Panthers after pulling Rhule from the college ranks.

I agree with Howe. I’d be surprised if Quinn weren’t a head coach next season after garnering serious consideration last hiring cycle. He’s shown to be a great leader of men and capable of steering a talented Dallas defense in the right direction. Unfortunately, the Falcons never had the kind of talent he currently has with the Cowboys.

 

Scroll to Top
%d bloggers like this: