Daniel Patrick Quinn is an American football coach, serving as the Defensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys as of the 2024 NFL season. Throughout his coaching career, Dan Quinn has coached at both the college and NFL levels. He began his journey with William & Mary, followed by stints at VMI and Hofstra. Quinn then transitioned to the NFL, joining the San Francisco 49ers, and later worked with the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and the Dallas Cowboys.

Quinn played college football at Salisbury University, where he played as a defensive lineman from 1990 to 1993. Quinn began his coaching career as a Defensive Line Coach at William & Mary before joining the San Francisco 49ers as a Defensive Quality Control Coach, marking the start of his NFL coaching career. Notably, Quinn has also served as the Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Dan Quinn's Personal Information

Dan Quinn's Early Life

Quinn was born to his parents, Jim and Sue Quinn on September 11, 1970, in Morristown, New Jersey. As of October 2024, he is 54 years old. He played football at Morristown High School and later at Salisbury University from 1990 to 1993 as a defensive lineman. According to the official website of Salisbury University, he earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Notably, he was a two-sport athlete, participating in both the track & field and football.

Dan Quinn Coaching History

Quinn's coaching career spans both college and the NFL. He began as a defensive line coach at William & Mary, progressing through roles with VMI, Hofstra, and the San Francisco 49ers. He later served with teams including the Dolphins, Jets, Seahawks, Falcons, and Cowboys, before becoming the Commanders' head coach in 2024.

William & Mary (1994)

Quinn began his journey as a defensive line coach at William & Mary in 1994.

VMI (1995)

In 1995, he took on the same role of defensive line coach at the Virginia Military Institute.

Hofstra (1996–2000)

From 1996 to 1999, Quinn was the defensive line coach at Hofstra, and in 2000, he was appointed defensive coordinator in addition to his role as defensive line coach.

San Francisco 49ers (2001–2004)

Quinn served as the defensive quality control coach, marking his first NFL coaching role. In 2003, he was promoted to defensive line coach.

Miami Dolphins (2005–2006)

In 2005, Quinn joined the Dolphins as their defensive line coach, where he spent two seasons with the team until 2006.

New York Jets (2007–2008)

Quinn continued his NFL career as the defensive line coach, joining the New York Jets in 2007

Seattle Seahawks (2009–2010)

In 2009, Quinn took on the dual role of assistant head coach and defensive line coach with the Seattle Seahawks.

Florida (2011–2012)

Quinn returned to college football as the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, joining the University of Florida in 2011.

Seattle Seahawks (2013–2014)

In 2013, Quinn rejoined the Seahawks, taking on the role of defensive coordinator under head coach Pete Carroll. With the Seahawks, he won Super Bowl XLVIII, defeating the Denver Broncos with a score of 43–8.

Atlanta Falcons (2015–2020)

Quinn served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2020. In the 2016 season, the Falcons won the NFC South with an 11–5 record and advanced to Super Bowl LI, but lost after giving up a 28–3 lead. Quinn received the 2016 Salute to Service Award.

He spent six seasons with the Falcons; however, he was fired after a 0–5 start during the 2020 season. His overall record with the Falcons was 43–42 in the regular season and 3–2 in the playoffs.

Dallas Cowboys (2021–2023)

Quinn was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, replacing Mike Nolan. In his first season, the Cowboys finished at the top of the NFC East with a 12–5 record. The team's defense showed significant improvement, ranking first in turnovers, eighth in opponent's points per game, and 19th in yards allowed per play. He was named the Assistant Coach of the Year and received a contract extension in January 2022.

Under his guidance, the Cowboys' defense led the league in turnovers from 2021 to 2023.

Washington Commanders (2024–present)

On February 3, 2024, Quinn was appointed head coach of the Washington Commanders. He appointed Kliff Kingsbury, as the offensive coordinator and selected Joe Whitt Jr., as the defensive coordinator.

Dan Quinn's Playing Career

According to Salisbury University’s official website, Quinn played college football as a defensive lineman, recording a total of 145 tackles.

During his final three years at SU, Quinn played in all 28 games and amassed 135 tackles, a fumble recovery, two forced fumbles, and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. He lettered in football for three years (1990-91, 1993) and served as the team captain in 1992-1993.

Dan Quinn's Achievements & Awards

His head coaching record includes a 46–43, regular-season record, a 3–2 postseason record, and an overall career record of 49–45. Notably, Quinn won the Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks, defeating the Denver Broncos on February 2, 2014.

Assistant Coach of the Year (2021)

In Quinn's first season as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator, he was named Assistant Coach of the Year in 2021.

Salute to Service Award (2016)

Quinn received the 2016 Salute to Service Award at the 6th Annual NFL Honors.

Salisbury Athletics Hall of Fame (2005)

A two-sport athlete, Quinn was inducted into the Salisbury State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005 for his contributions to both football and track and field.

Dan Quinn Coaching Tree

According to Pro Football History, Quinn served as an assistant coach under head coaches, including Steve Mariucci, Nick Saban, Pete Carroll, and Mike McCarthy. He spent three years coaching with Pete Carroll and Mike McCarthy. As a head coach, Quinn had assistants including Matt LaFleur, Mike McDaniel, Kyle Shanahan, Charlie Jackson and Raheem Morris became head coaches in the NFL.

Dan Quinn Family

Quinn was born to Jim and Sue Quinn on September 11, 1970, in Morristown, New Jersey. His parents raised six children including five sons named Mike, Peter, Brian, Tim, Dan and a daughter, Maribeth.

Dan Quinn’s Father

Jim Quinn is the father of Dan Quinn. According to ESPN’s official website, Jim Quinn was a traveling businessman who worked in reinsurance.

On June 15, 2016, Jim Quinn passed away at the age of 83 due to a brain tumor.

Dan Quinn Wife

Quinn is married to his wife, Stacey Quinn, as of October 2024. According to the official website of Salisbury University, Stacey attended SU and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal and professional studies. The couple met at Salisbury University and began dating.

According to the Commanders' official website, they started Quinn's Corps together in 2004 to support military members both at home and overseas.