“It could get awkward” - NFL analyst claims Mike McCarthy's replacement is already with the team

As the pressure grows on Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, speculation is rife as to who could replace him if he doesn't succeed in 2022. Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has been linked with Dallas more than once this offseason.

However, one NFL analyst believes the next head coach could come from within the organization. On the Herd with Colin Cowherd, NFL analyst Matt Mosely claimed defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could be the next man up.

"I think it could get awkward. I think Dan Quinn’s really worked to make it okay. And I kind of admire how he handled it. I think Jerry left Mike McCarthy out there hanging a little bit. And I think the players have gotten behind Quinn. Defensive players just swear by him."

Dan Quinn was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons when they made it to the Super Bowl and lost to the New England Patriots after blowing a 28-3 lead.

Matt Mosely believes the scars of that defeat have faded and that Quinn has redeemed himself with the Cowboys.

"But in a sense, he sort of salvaged [himself]. He was so attached to that Super Bowl in Atlanta. Being with this platform that gives the Cowboys the attention they get, it's brought Dan Quinn back."

He congratulated Quinn on how he's been able to sidestep the awkwardness up to this point, but stated that he can't escape it forever.

"Now I will say Dan Quinn has done a tremendous job of kind of playing, trying to play a "behind-the-scenes" role to not make this awkward, but it could get awkward. And I could see something developing there."

Lastly, he said that the team replacing McCarthy with Quinn would not be a major shock.

"I've seen this organization with two head coaches before and it happened not that long ago. With Garrett on offense and Wade Phillips on defense and it led to Wade Phillips being thrown overboard. You could see the makings of something like that happening here."

Is Dan Quinn a threat to Mike McCarthy?

Dallas Cowboys v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Most people think that Mike McCarthy would have his hands full in convincing Jerry Jones to stick with him over Dan Quinn. Quinn was part of both of the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl appearances with the Legion of Boom. He was the coordinator who helped shut down one of the best offenses of all time in Super Bowl 48.

After his quick two-year run with the Seahawks, Quinn became the Falcons' head coach. He led the team to a Super Bowl appearance of their own, facing Tom Brady once again.

They lost the game after taking a 28-3 lead and the Falcons couldn't hit the same heights again. He left the Falcons to become defensive coordinator for the Cowboys last year. For the Cowboys, swapping a Super Bowl-winning head coach for one who has featured in three in the last decade might make sense.

If any of the above quotes are used, please credit the Herd with Colin Cowherd and H/T Sportskeeda.