Three weeks from now, one of these former Cowboys coordinators will be coaching in Super Bowl LIX.
Three Weeks from Now, One of These Former Cowboys Coordinators Will Be Coaching in Super Bowl LIX
As the NFL season heads into its final stages and teams prepare for the playoffs, one thing becomes clear: the Dallas Cowboys are not the only team with strong coaching talent. In fact, three former Cowboys coordinators have emerged as top contenders to lead their respective teams to Super Bowl LIX. These individuals, who were once part of the Cowboys’ coaching staff, have since moved on to new opportunities, where they have helped transform their teams into legitimate championship contenders.
In just three weeks, one of them will likely be standing on the sideline, coaching in the biggest game of the season, as the NFC and AFC champions meet to battle for the coveted Lombardi Trophy. The storylines behind these former Cowboys coordinators and their rise to Super Bowl coaching glory are fascinating, as each of them has overcome unique challenges to get to this point. As we look ahead to Super Bowl LIX, we’ll explore the paths taken by these coaches, the impact they’ve had on their teams, and the chance that one of them will soon lead their squad to victory in the NFL’s ultimate showdown.
The Former Coordinators: Who Are They?
Before diving into how these former Cowboys coaches are positioned to make a Super Bowl run, it’s important to identify who they are. These individuals were once integral parts of the Cowboys’ coaching staff, either as offensive or defensive coordinators. Each of them has since moved on to become head coaches of other NFL teams, where they have brought their own unique styles and philosophies.
- Kellen Moore – Head Coach of the Los Angeles Chargers
Kellen Moore’s departure from Dallas was one of the more controversial coaching changes in recent Cowboys history. As the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, Moore helped build an offense that was often among the league’s most dynamic, especially with quarterback Dak Prescott at the helm. His innovative approach to the offense and ability to adjust to various game situations were key factors in the Cowboys’ success during those seasons.
Despite his success, Moore’s relationship with Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy became strained over time, and in 2023, Moore was let go from the team. Shortly thereafter, Moore landed the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers, inheriting a team with a talented roster, including quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler, and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Moore’s offensive acumen and his ability to work with a young, talented quarterback has helped propel the Chargers into one of the league’s most potent offenses.
Under Moore’s leadership, the Chargers have been one of the most explosive teams in the NFL, often relying on high-scoring games to win. Moore’s experience with the Cowboys, where he had to deal with a balanced offensive attack, has paid off as he has built a Chargers offense that features a potent passing game while still maintaining an effective running game. With a talented defense to complement his offense, Moore has positioned the Chargers as one of the top teams in the AFC and a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
- Dan Quinn – Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons
Dan Quinn’s tenure as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator was marked by a period of dramatic improvement for the Cowboys’ defense. After years of underperformance on that side of the ball, Quinn arrived in Dallas in 2021 and immediately implemented a system that turned the Cowboys into one of the most feared defenses in the NFL. The emergence of star players like Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and Demarcus Lawrence were central to Quinn’s success in Dallas, and he quickly became one of the league’s most respected defensive minds.
When Quinn left Dallas after the 2022 season, he became the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Quinn took over a team that had struggled in recent years but had a solid foundation in place. With his defensive background, Quinn immediately began to reshape the Falcons’ defense, making them one of the league’s top units. However, what has impressed many is Quinn’s ability to turn around the Falcons’ offense as well, relying on a balanced attack and a strong running game.
Quinn’s defensive prowess combined with his ability to guide Atlanta’s offense to greater consistency has made the Falcons a true playoff contender in the NFC. With the Falcons’ defense playing at an elite level and their offense becoming more dynamic under Quinn’s leadership, Atlanta is a dark horse team that could very well be on its way to Super Bowl LIX.
- Mike Zimmer – Head Coach of the New York Giants
Mike Zimmer’s time as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator wasn’t long, but his impact on the team’s defense was undeniable. Zimmer, who had previously enjoyed success as the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, was brought in by the Cowboys to help revitalize their defense. Under Zimmer’s guidance, the Cowboys’ defense saw noticeable improvements in areas like pass rush, turnovers, and overall efficiency. His no-nonsense approach and ability to adapt to the league’s changing trends helped the Cowboys’ defense remain competitive.
After a brief stint in Dallas, Zimmer was hired as the head coach of the New York Giants, a team that was in dire need of a leadership overhaul. The Giants had struggled for several years to find stability and success, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Zimmer quickly made his mark in New York, transforming the Giants’ defense into one of the league’s most dominant units. Known for his aggressive blitzing schemes and ability to develop top-tier defensive talent, Zimmer has helped lead the Giants to unexpected success in the NFC.
Offensively, Zimmer has worked with quarterback Daniel Jones, and while the Giants’ offense hasn’t been as explosive as some other playoff teams, Zimmer’s ability to maximize his players’ potential on defense has allowed New York to remain competitive in tight games. With a defense that can stifle opposing offenses and an offense that is efficient enough to move the ball when needed, Zimmer has positioned the Giants as a formidable contender in the NFC.
Why One of These Coaches Will Make Super Bowl LIX
Each of these coaches has proven themselves to be more than capable of leading their teams to success. Whether it’s Moore’s innovative offensive mind, Quinn’s defensive genius, or Zimmer’s ability to turn around an underperforming squad, these former Cowboys coordinators have demonstrated that they are more than capable of coaching their teams to greatness. But why will one of them be coaching in Super Bowl LIX?
- Kellen Moore and the Los Angeles Chargers: Offensive Firepower
The Los Angeles Chargers’ success has largely been fueled by Moore’s ability to unlock Justin Herbert’s potential. Herbert is one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, and Moore has tailored his offense to maximize Herbert’s strengths. The Chargers boast one of the league’s best passing attacks, and with Moore at the helm, they’ve shown the ability to compete with the best teams in the AFC. Their high-powered offense, combined with a defense that has been improving throughout the season, makes them a dangerous team poised for a Super Bowl run.
If the Chargers can stay healthy and continue to improve on defense, Moore has the ability to outscore nearly any opponent in the playoffs. This high-powered offense, combined with Moore’s experience from his time in Dallas, gives him the edge to make a Super Bowl run.
- Dan Quinn and the Atlanta Falcons: A Balanced Attack
Dan Quinn has proven himself as one of the most adaptable coaches in the league. His ability to fix Atlanta’s defense, while also guiding the offense to greater efficiency, has made the Falcons one of the more well-rounded teams in the NFL. With an elite defense and an offense that knows how to control the game, the Falcons are a team built for playoff success. Quinn’s leadership and experience in big games will be crucial as Atlanta makes its Super Bowl push.
- Mike Zimmer and the New York Giants: Defensive Dominance
The New York Giants may not be as flashy offensively, but their defense under Mike Zimmer has been one of the most dominant in the league. In a playoff atmosphere, where games often come down to defensive execution, Zimmer’s ability to call the right plays at the right time will be critical for the Giants. Their defense has the ability to stop even the most explosive offenses, which will make them a tough matchup in the postseason. With Zimmer’s leadership, the Giants have the potential to pull off some upsets and make a deep Super Bowl run.
