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Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons

Quinn hired as Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn talks with referee Walt Coleman (65) in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth/AP)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn talks with referee Walt Coleman (65) in the second half against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (Michael Ainsworth/AP)

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

Updated Jan 12, 2021

Former Falcons coach Dan Quinn has agreed to terms to become the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.

Quinn confirmed his interview with the Cowboys Monday to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Quinn was terminated by the Falcons on Oct. 11 after the team got off to a 0-5 start. NFL media first reported that Dallas was interested in Quinn.

If Dallas Cowboys hire Dan Quinn as defensive coordinator, it means a switch back to the 4-3 and scheme used by Kris Richard. They will need to upgrade the personnel
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 11, 2021

The other two candidates included Falcons secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. and Carolina’s defensive passing game coordinator Jason Simmons.

The 50-year-old Quinn replaces Mike Nolan, who lasted just one season under Mike McCarthy in Dallas.

Quinn had a virtual interview Sunday with the Cowboys who allowed a franchise-record 473 points (29.6 per game) and finished 31st in the NFL in run defense while going 6-10.

In five-plus seasons with Atlanta, Quinn compiled a 43-42 record, including a Super Bowl trip in 2016. He served as Seattle’s defensive coordinator before coaching in Atlanta.

Falcons’ 2021 draft position

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

2. New York Jets

3. Miami Dolphins (via Houston)

4. Falcons

5. Cincinnati Bengals

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