NFL Rumors: Cowboys' Dan Quinn Among Chargers Interview Requests for HC Job

The Los Angeles Chargers have officially opened their head coaching search, according to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz.

The Chargers have reportedly submitted a request to interview Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Quinn has previous head coaching experience, as he held the position for the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 through 2020. Since 2021, he's served as Dallas' defensive coordinator.

The Falcons finished with a record of 43-42 under Quinn, making the Super Bowl in the 2016 season. However, he was fired by Atlanta after the team lost its first five games of the 2020 season.

After firing Brandon Staley following a 5-9 start to the 2023 season and a disastrous 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 14, the Chargers initially hired Giff Smith as the team's interim head coach.

It was initially believed Smith might be a candidate to have the interim tag removed and take over as the team's full-time head coach after Chargers president of football operations John Spanos spoke quite highly of him on Dec. 18.

"Giff as the interim [head coach] is not an indictment on anyone who's here because I do think we have a lot of quality coaches," Spanos said, per Eric Smith of the team's website. "But Giff is someone I've known a long time and worked with for awhile now. I've seen the coach he is, the leader he is. I think he's the best man right now to lead this team."

Smith served as interim head coach for L.A.'s final three games of the season against the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, going 0-3 in that span as the Chargers finished 5-12.

Prior to taking over as interim head coach, Smith had served as L.A.'s defensive line coach from 2016-21 and outside linebackers coach from 2022-23.

The 55-year-old began his NFL coaching career as a defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills (2010-12). He also served as a defensive line coach for the Tennessee Titans (2014-15).

With the franchise entering yet another head coaching search, the team's next bench boss will be tasked with making the most of a talented roster that's highlighted by quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back Austin Ekeler, linebackers Khalil Mack and Eric Kendricks and safety Derwin James Jr.

There will be arguably more pressure on the next head coach to succeed in the position than any of L.A.'s other recent coaches, including Staley and Anthony Lynn, especially because the franchise has already wasted some of Herbert's prime years.

After failing to make the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, the next head coach's biggest goal in 2024 will be to get the team back into the postseason.