Cowboys Rumors: Dan Quinn, Jason Simmons, Joe Whitt Candidates for DC Job

The Dallas Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Mike Nolan on Friday and spent the weekend interviewing candidates, according to multiple reports.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that Carolina Panthers defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach Jason Simmons interviewed with Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and owner Jerry Jones for the team's defensive coordinator opening.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that former Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn interviewed on Saturday and Falcons secondary coach Joe Whitt is also an option for the position.

En route to a 6-10 record, the Cowboys allowed 473 points, the most in franchise history, and ranked second-worst in the league in run defense. 

Simmons has a relationship with McCarthy dating back to the current head coach's time with the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy was the head coach of the Packers from 2006-18, and Simmons joined his club as an administrative assistant in 2011. Eventually, he was named assistant special teams coach and secondary coach.

In 2019, Simmons was the defensive backs coach in Green Bay. The Packers were tied for third in the league with 17 interceptions in that season. 

A fifth-round pick by the Steelers in 1998, Simmons appeared in 121 games over 10 total seasons for Pittsburgh and the Houston Texans.