For a second-consecutive year, the Broncos interviewed Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancy.

For a second-consecutive year, Quinn pulled his name out of the hat.

Quinn removed himself from consideration for head-coaching jobs Thursday, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Quinn had a second interview with the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday. The Indianapolis Colts also scheduled Quinn for a second interview Saturday.

Denver had not scheduled a second interview with Quinn. However, he was apparently still in the mix for the job. Per a report from Woody Page of The (Colorado Springs) Gazette, Quinn “interviewed badly” with the Broncos a year ago.

As Pelissero reported, Quinn’s “heart is in Dallas.” Quinn completed his second season as the Cowboys’ defensive play-caller after a six-season head-coaching stint with the Atlanta Falcons. He interviewed with the Broncos late last week.

Mike McCarthy on Dan Quinn’s decision to stay with the Cowboys. pic.twitter.com/SUp2ZOAeBs

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 26, 2023

Quinn’s removal is the latest turn on a dizzying day that saw 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans revealed as a reported potential favorite for the job. Ryans’ emergence from the pack would be a logical explanation for the Broncos’ lack of apparent activity this week, as he cannot have a second in-person interview with any team until next week.

Thursday also saw a report from The Washington Post‘s Mark Maske thatSean Payton “fears a potential power struggle” with one of the Broncos owners.

Maske later added that the owner in question was not Condoleezza Rice. He reported that Payton “loved” his interactions with the former U.S. Secretary of State. Payton is reportedly interviewing with the Arizona Cardinals today, as well.

 

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