Falcons Ex Dan Quinn Favorite to Replace Seahawks' Pete Carroll?

With longtime Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll now out, former Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn is in the running for another head-coaching gig.

In a complete stunner, the Seattle Seahawks announced on Wednesday that longtime coach Pete Carroll would not return in 2024.

Carroll, who was the oldest coach in the NFL at 72, oversaw easily the most-successful period in Seahawks history. In 14 seasons at the helm, Carroll posted a 137-89-1 record with 11 playoff appearances, two NFC championships and the franchise's first Super Bowl victory. The Seahawks also announced that Carroll would remain with the organization as an advisor, but for the first time since 2010, Seattle will be looking for a new coach.

In no time at all, insiders already named a former disciple of Carroll as the favorite to replace him. Current Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who previously served as Seattle's defensive coordinator and coach of the Atlanta Falcons, is widely assumed to be the Seahawks' top choice for a Carroll successor.

Pete Carroll, Dan Quinn

Considering what he previously achieved in Seattle, it's no surprise that Quinn would be high on the Seahawks' wish list. In 2013 and 2014, was the leader of the legendary "Legion of Boom" defense that led the league in points and yards against in both seasons. 

Seattle won Super Bowl 48 with Quinn as defensive coordinator, and almost certainly would've won Super Bowl 49 if they didn't decide to throw on the 1-yard line, possibly the most baffling play call in NFL history.

After an outstanding two years in Seattle, Quinn left to take his first head-coaching gig with the Falcons. He started his time in Atlanta strong, leading the Falcons to a Super Bowl 51 appearance (disregarding how that game ended) and a trip to the Divisional Round the following year. 

However, Quinn's Falcons finished 7-9 in both 2018 and 2019, and after an 0-5 start in 2020, the team decided to let him go. He finished his time in Atlanta with a 43-42 record.

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Since 2021, Quinn has done an exceptional job overseeing the Cowboys' defense. That unit was one of the worst in the league a year before his arrival, but it has been one of the best in each of his three seasons with the club. His bounce-back performance in Dallas has made him arguably the most-popular coaching candidate this offseason, as three teams have already requested interviews with him.

Quinn also interviewed for multiple coaching gigs last offseason, but opted to remain in Dallas instead. If his old team comes calling, though, maybe that could get him to change his mind.