The Washington Commanders are hiring NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their next head coach, according to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.

Quinn served as the defensive coordinator under head coach Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys over the past three seasons. It was here where Quinn was able to transform the Cowboys into a top-ranked defense.

Dan Quinn has been known for his stellar defensive mind throughout the NFL. His work includes the Cowboys' fifth-ranked defensive finish in 2023.

Before his stint with the Cowboys, Quinn had previously served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015-2020, leading them to a Super Bowl in 2016, where they lost to the New England Patriots in the dreaded 28-3 comeback game.

He also served as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, overseeing the legendary "Legion of Boom" defense in 2013 and 2014. Quinn helped them win Super Bowl XLVIII 43-8 against the Denver Broncos in 2014. The Seahawks would make another trip to the Super Bowl the year following, but lose 28-24 to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.

Washington Commanders: DC Dan Quinn Now Head Coach in D.C.

Quinn comes in replacing Ron Rivera, who was fired at the end of the NFL season after the Commanders' dubious 4-13 record.

This hiring would address the Washington Commanders problem on defense, an area they were ranked dead last in 2023. Throughout the 2023 season, the Commanders fired former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and traded away two young star defensive linemen, Chase Young and Montez Sweat.

Quinn will also oversee a team with some questions at quarterback, on whether Sam Howell will be the starter for the team next season.

Howell was benched last season for backup Jacoby Brissett toward the end of the 2023 NFL season under Ron Rivera, which puts his starting capability in question.

There is a lot of optimism around the franchise as the Commanders currently have the No.2 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Washington has already seen numerous changes so far, including an ownership change over the 2023 offseason; going from the notorious Daniel Synder to Josh Harris along with a new general manager, Adan Peters, who was hired on January 12.