With Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn becoming the next head coach of the Washington Commanders, the Cowboys are now in need of a new defensive coordinator to replace him. And it sounds like two candidates have emerged.
According to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Dallas Cowboys are considering both Ron Rivera and Mike Zimmer as potential candidates for their open defensive coordinator role.
“As the #Cowboys dig in on their search for a defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera will meet with them this week about the job, sources say. Mike Zimmer is also among the candidates,” Rapoport said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
As the #Cowboys dig in on their search for a defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera will meet with them this week about the job, sources say. Mike Zimmer is also among the candidates. https://t.co/FOR2lbDRhc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2024
Obviously, this is pretty significant news for the team and it led to a lot of reactions on social media as a result.
Matt LaFleur drops a 50 bomb on you to end your season and you think “Ron Rivera” is the answer? https://t.co/QMjkDbTp6O
— Cam (@DrakeMayeFC) February 5, 2024
Seeing what’s been going on with Dal, NYG, & Wash we should feel confident in the Eagles. https://t.co/SqxUEqzGy4
— Other Dave (@DaveHarris73) February 5, 2024
Let me save yall some time
BREAKING: #Cowboys hire Mike Zimmer as their defensive coordinator heading into next season, sources say. https://t.co/HJYChwYLO6
— Woody (@blake_wood12) February 5, 2024
Mike Zimmer should be among the #Giants candidates for DC but we haven’t heard any connection. Not sure it would work with Daboll anyway. But Zim would be great for this defense. https://t.co/MLQLP1TDFh
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) February 5, 2024
Cowboys replacing Dan Quinn with a guy who couldn’t even get his side of the ball right, is very Dallas like https://t.co/idcQvAbkqx
— Trev (@Trevtheowner) February 5, 2024
At this point I’m Team Zimmer. Rivera wouldn’t make me upset either.
Wildcard of course would be if they went Durde or Harris but my thought process and Cowboys history shows they want a DC with previous HC experience. https://t.co/jLR9YJZoSW
— James Espinosa 🎙️ (@SirEdwardJames) February 5, 2024
The Cowboys had one of the top defenses in the league this season, ranking No. 9 in the league in terms of scoring defense, allowing just 20.2 points per game on average. We’ll have to see how the new defensive coordinator steps in and whether or not he will be able to successfully replace what Quinn brought to the team.

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