Cowboys Rumors: Ron Rivera Eyed for DC If Dan Quinn Takes Commanders or Seahawks HC

Former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera has emerged as a potential replacement for Dan Quinn if the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator takes a head coaching job, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

According to Rapoport, Rivera has already interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cowboys could be another team eyeing him.

"Ron Rivera has already interviewed for the Eagles defensive coordinator job," Rapoport said. "I'm told that the Cowboys have some interest in potentially looking into Rivera as their defensive coordinator if Dan Quinn leaves."

Rivera was fired by the Commanders following the conclusion of a 4-13 season.

Rivera has been a head coach since 2011, coaching the Carolina Panthers until 2019 and taking over for the Commanders in 2020. The veteran has a defensive background, though, serving in various defensive positions since his initial year as a coach in 1997. He was the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006 and the San Diego Chargers' defensive coordinator from 2008 to 2010.

The Cowboys could very well lose Quinn in the coming weeks. Quinn, who has been in his current position since 2021, has already interviewed with the Commanders and is set to have a second interview with the team. As Rapoport noted, he is also a potential candidate to replace Peter Carroll as the Seattle Seahawks coach.

This season, Rivera's defense held opposing teams to just 18.5 points per game, 187.4 passing yards per game and 112.4 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys also notched 17 interceptions and six defensive touchdowns on the year.

With the Commanders and Seahawks being the only two teams remaining without a head coach, it seems the future of both Rivera and Quinn could be decided soon.