Two prospective contenders arise for the head coaching position with the Seahawks.

Following the departure of longtime head coach Pete Carroll, the Seahawks have been notably silent in terms of scheduling interviews for potential replacements. The current defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Dan Quinn, has been widely mentioned as an anticipated candidate to fill the vacancy left by his former boss. Recently, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network introduced another name to watch for in the Seahawks’ coaching search.

Dan Quinn has been regarded as a head coaching prospect since his dismissal from the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. Since joining the Dallas Cowboys, Quinn has played a pivotal role in shaping a consistently formidable defense, with the team achieving a top-10 ranking in scoring defense and showing improvement in yards allowed each year. In the most recent season, the Cowboys finished among the top five in both defensive categories.

In the previous year, Dan Quinn explored head coaching opportunities with the Cardinals, Broncos, Texans, and Colts, engaging in second interviews with the Cardinals and Colts. Despite the interest, he opted to stay in Dallas as a coordinator. The year before, Quinn interviewed with the Bears, Broncos, Dolphins, Vikings, and Giants, even reaching the finalist stage for the Denver position. Yet he chose to remain with the Cowboys and declined an interview offer from the Jaguars.

Quinn’s connection to Seattle stems from two prior stints with the Seahawks. After coaching defensive lines for the 49ers, Dolphins, and Jets, he joined the Seahawks as a defensive line coach and assistant head coach. Following a brief tenure, he became the defensive coordinator for the University of Florida. Quinn returned to the NFL and Seattle as a defensive coordinator, contributing to the Seahawks’ back-to-back Super Bowl appearances with a dominant defense known as the Legion of Boom.

Despite a successful tenure, Quinn’s coaching journey led to his head coaching role with the Falcons, where he achieved a winning record and a Super Bowl appearance but faced challenges leading to his termination after a 7-9 season and a winless start in 2020.

Another candidate mentioned by Ian Rapoport is Mike Macdonald, the Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Macdonald has less NFL coaching experience, starting as a coaching intern in Baltimore in 2014. He coached defensive backs and linebackers before briefly serving as the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan. Jim Harbaugh then brought him back to the NFL for the same role with the Ravens.

In two seasons under Macdonald, the Ravens showcased a strong defensive performance, ranking high in points allowed and improving in yards allowed. Known for innovative blitzing schemes and disguises, Macdonald’s Ravens excelled in pressuring the quarterback and led the league in turnovers this year.

Both Quinn and Macdonald have garnered significant interest as head coaching candidates. Quinn has interview requests from the Panthers, Chargers, Titans, and Commanders, while Macdonald has interviewed with the Panthers and Falcons and holds requests from the Titans and Commanders. As both coordinators are still in the playoffs, they can only conduct virtual interviews for now, but further actions are expected once the playoffs conclude.