Dan Quinn is excited about what the future holds in Washington.

He will talk about that opportunity in the coming days. But on his way out of Dallas, he wants to stress how meaningful these last three years have been as the Cowboys defensive coordinator.

“After being out of coaching for a period, I was looking for somewhere to bring back my joy,’’ Quinn told The Dallas Morning News. “My time in Dallas did that and so much more.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity I had, not just to coach with Mike McCarthy, but for a friendship — that may now be tested twice a year — but will always be valued.’’

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Quinn was relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons during the 2020 season. That was McCarthy’s first season as the Cowboys head coach. Mike Nolan was the defensive coordinator and the unit allowed a franchise-record 473 points.

Quinn had only been away from the sport for three months when McCarthy turned to him. A defense that had allowed an average of 29.6 points before Quinn’s arrival sliced that down to 21.2 points in his inaugural season. That made him a hot commodity on the head coaching market.

After that first season, Quinn interviewed for five openings — Denver, Chicago, Minnesota, Miami and the New York Giants — and turned down the opportunity to interview for a sixth in Jacksonville. Owner Jerry Jones feared losing him, and stepped up by adding a multi-year extension to Quinn’s contract that took him beyond this season.

“Jerry and the Jones family have built one of the greatest organizations in all of sports and yet have a way of making it feel like you’re simply part of a family,’’ Quinn said. “Thankful to have been a part of that family filled with some of the finest men I have ever coached, and coached with.

“Thank you, Cowboy Nation. I will always be grateful for my time in Dallas.’’

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