Cowboys' Dan Quinn addresses potential head-coaching opportunities

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn spoke with reporters Monday about being linked with head-coach openings as "America's Team" heads into the playoffs. 

"I think it's important to know how to compartmentalize," Quinn explained, as shared by Nick Harris of the Cowboys' website. "Fortunately for me in that space, any preparation you would do on that is done over the summertime. If and when that time gets called, I would certainly be ready to discuss that at a moment's notice. It's pretty easy these days to compartmentalize. Quite honestly, the guys that I'm able to coach are a big reason why I wanted to be back here, so I'm not gonna let that moment miss one second."

Quinn and his defense are viewed as big reasons for why the 11-5 Cowboys will enter Week 18 knowing that a win at the 4-12 Washington Commanders this coming Sunday will clinch Dallas the NFC East division title. According to ESPN stats, the Cowboys rank eighth in the NFL in total defense (307.2 yards allowed per game) and fifth in points surrendered per contest (19.1) for the season. 

Quinn accumulated an overall record of 43-42 as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 through October of the 2020 campaign, and he guided that club to a Super Bowl appearance. Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network recently reported that the Carolina Panthers could target the 53-year-old once Carolina's offseason begins this coming Monday. 

"I didn't want to see anybody else coaching these guys, and there was unfinished business in my mind," Quinn added about staying with Dallas last winter. "That was a big reason for me knowing that I had unfinished business with them, and I wanted to see that through as much as I could. I absolutely feel that way again. It's easy to compartmentalize when you stay here now. I live my life in that space anyway, so it's not as complicated as you might think."

That "unfinished business" could end with Quinn hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February if the Cowboys get hot at the right time.