Dan Quinn expected to be a finalist for Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans helmet on the sideline prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks coordinators Darrell Bevell and Dan Quinn are two of the top head coaching candidates on the market right now, and they have both received interest from multiple teams. Bevell and Quinn have both been interviewed by the Minnesota Vikings, and Quinn, who used to be the defensive coordinator of the Florida Gators, also interviewed with the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans.
The Titans have always viewed Quinn as a top candidate to replace Mike Munchak, and it looks like the smoke is only increasing. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Titans CEO Tommy Smith is “smitten with Seattle”, so Quinn is expected to be a finalist for the Titans head coaching vacancy even before his interview actually takes place (Quinn isn’t expected to interview until after the Seahawks playoff run).
Even though the Titans are going to mull their options carefully, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Quinn ends up being their “guy” and future head coach. While they could benefit more from adding an offense-minded head coach who can develop quarterbacks well, the Titans just need to go for the best guy available. If they feel Quinn is that guy, then they shouldn’t be apprehensive about hiring a defense-minded head coach or anything.
Quinn is a very good defensive coordinator and leads the best defense in the NFL, but he also has great personnel around him and doesn’t have head coaching experience. Even though he’s almost certainly going to be a finalist, I highly doubt any one guy has emerged for the Titans, who are also interested in the likes of Ken Whisenhunt and Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. And if Smith truly loves Seattle that much, then Bevell should be set to get a long look from the Titans organization.