Dan Quinn is reveling in his role as Washington Commanders head coach. Things don't look nearly as stable with the team he left behind.
Quinn was scapegoated by the Dallas Cowboys after another early playoff exit against the Green Bay Packers last season. Things ended up working out well for the respected figure, who got the top job in Washington and spearheaded a remarkable culture shift en route to 12 wins, a playoff appearance, and a postseason victory at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Cowboys were once again hyped up beyond comprehension among the media and failed to deliver. They didn't reach the playoffs, fell to third spot in the NFC East, and parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy after an agonizing wait. Their future is incredibly uncertain — something Quinn could take advantage of by luring one of his former assistants to D.C.
Several coaches and players followed Quinn to Washington. He surrounded himself with men he trusted and who believed in his methods. It was a recipe for success that might continue if the right opportunities present themselves this offseason.
With defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer contemplating retirement and a new head coach coming into the fold, this has a ripple effect. Assistant coaches will be looking after their interests. This provides the perfect chance for Quinn to check in on Al Harris.
Harris is an up-and-coming coach who thrived working under Quinn. His player development turned the likes of Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland into All-Pro performers. The Cowboys were among the league leaders in takeaways, although that number regressed under Zimmer's guidance in 2024.
The Commanders could use someone like Harris — another supreme leader of men with ascending credentials. However, Mark Powell from FanSided believes a coordinator opportunity could be in the coach's immediate future with McCarthy no longer around.
"With McCarthy not returning to Dallas, there is little reason for Harris to stay, especially with his resume. From 2020 through the end of the 2023-24 season, the Cowboys led the league in turnovers forced with 116. While they took a slight step back this year, Harris has what it takes to lead a defense of his own. Now, there is nothing holding him back."Mark Powell, FanSided
It never hurts to ask. Quinn and Harris developed a strong working relationship. Joe Whitt Jr.'s presence as defensive coordinator adds to this familiarity, although he's going to interview for the New York Jets' head coaching vacancy. He might have bigger plans, but convincing him to join this ambitious project would be a significant coup.
The Commanders might be content with what they have on the coaching side of things, which is fine. They've molded a new-look roster into a productive unit capable of maximizing it with anybody when in the mood. This represents a tremendous accomplishment, especially considering this roster isn't exactly blessed with genuine difference-makers aside from a select few.
Harris is going to be just fine without Dallas. His reputation stayed intact amid the ongoing Cowboys chaos. That sort of high character and proven capabilities would only help Washington's defensive backs in this scenario.
It wouldn't be the worst idea in the world to put in a call. Whether Harris accepts any offer from Quinn is another matter.