Dallas Cowboys considering major addition of a former top coordinator from New York Giants?

By Jason Burgos

·Updated: February 5, 2024

A new report claims that the New York Giants’ former defensive coordinator is a serious contender for the same role with the Dallas Cowboys.

Last week, NFC East rivals the Washington Commanders surprisingly shifted gears away from an apparent interest in Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and instead offered their head coach job to Dan Quinn. The decision was surprising since the current Cowboys defensive coordinator had been available for some time and seemed to be more a reaction to disastrous conversations with Johnson.

Now, Dallas has a major hole to fill in their coaching staff after Quinn — the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons — helped mold the Cowboys defense into one of the most formidable units in the league over the last three seasons. While owner Jerry Jones will cast a wide net to fill the position, it seems he could do so from within the division.

Former New York Giants DC Don ‘Wink’ Martindale in running for Dallas Cowboys opening

On Sunday, Dallas radio host and podcaster Bryan Broaddus responded to a fan question on the reports that former Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer is a serious candidate for the defensive coordinator job by showering the 67-year-old with praise.

“Worked with Mike a while ago. Have always respected his ability to get the most out of his players,” Broaddus said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Has them ready but also makes them accountable. Attention to detail is off the charts. Time off likely helped him. Happy he’s getting the chance to interview.”

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However, in a follow-up post, he revealed two other names also “in the mix” for the job. “[Ron] Rivera and [Don] Martindale in the mix too.”

Rivera is available after being fired from his position as the head coach of the Washington Commanders last month. Martindale is up for grabs after resigning in frustration from his defensive coordinator role with the Giants after two of his top assistants were fired by the organization. Both have extensive and strong resumes as DCs in the league.