Which Ron Rivera or Brandon Staley Should the Cowboys Hire to Replace Dan Quinn?
Fans of the Dallas Cowboys are accustomed to becoming irate at their coaches. A defense that trounced lower-level opposition failed miserably on the greatest stage of the Cowboys’ season, losing 48–32 to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round. Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator, lost both the physical and schematic battle to an opponent who was better-coached.
The Dallas supporters decided to part ways with the coaching staff because of that. Less people would move in the league. Quinn interviewed with head coaches before deciding to accept the Washington Commanders’ available position. Twice a season, he will see the Cowboys, along with their new defensive coordinator.
It might be difficult to determine Quinn’s replacement in Dallas. Quinn may bring members of the current staff to Landover, as head coach Mike McCarthy is said to be nearing the end of his term.
Dallas assistant Joe Whitt is reportedly considering a trade, according to CowboysSI.com. The Cowboys want to “visit” with Ron Rivera, and our Mike Fisher now has the inside word on that. (We’re assured that an interview is on the way.) This conversation is with Mike Vrabel. Oh, and there’s also “all in” fun to be had with Bill Belichick.
Let’s look at another name: Brandon Staley, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The case of Staley is peculiar. Even among the fans who embraced him warmly, he has caused them frustration. Patience became thin after ending Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s debut season without a postseason victory. After the team’s Week 15 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders, 63-21, he was dismissed.
In 2021, Staley became the Chargers’ head coach with the goal of implementing a defense that invited the run and thwarted explosive plays while playing aggressively enough to stop them. The outcomes did not follow in the absence of superstars like Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Los Angeles Rams guard Aaron Donald.
Los Angeles’ defense was dead last in terms of rushing success rate and 30th in terms of predicted points added per rush over the previous three seasons. As a whole, the unit’s projected points contributed per play ranking was 27th. Pro Football Focus ranked the Chargers as one of the league’s bottom seven tackling teams twice in a three-year span.
The two best players in Los Angeles, edge rusher Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James, both underperformed, and the team’s middle linebackers did not grow. Like the Cowboys this season, stopping the run proved to be an impossible feat.
Staley did, however, demonstrate that he could push the appropriate buttons—at least while he was the only one in charge of the defense. Optimism can be readily found when one looks at players like cornerback Trevon Diggs and edge rusher Micah Parsons.
But Dallas’ defense as a whole needs a serious makeover, especially with Staley in the dugout. Although Osa Odighizuwa, a defensive tackle, is a rising talent, the Cowboys lack the size to effectively stop the run, and nose tackle play has proven to be difficult to come by. It’s imperative to have more physically strong linebackers, depth at the position, and hands-on safety play.
Will Dallas make the required personnel changes to give Staley the best opportunity to succeed? That is between the creator and his owner, Jerry Jones.
Here are a few reasons for Staley to visit Frisco. If all goes according to plan, a one-year stint might serve as a springboard for another chance, and there is undoubtedly talent in the building already.
To be honest, there doesn’t seem to be a clear favorite for this position, but if Dallas is serious about changing its defensive philosophy, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Staley and Vrabel put to the list alongside Rivera and given a closer look.