Dan Quinn’s Teams Coached

The Washington Commanders appointed head coach Daniel "Dan" Quinn in February 2024. He went to Morristown High School and having played defensive tackle for Salisbury University from 1989 to 1993, he has primarily served as an NFL defensive coach throughout his coaching experience.

Quinn coached the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers before joining the Commanders. According to Pro Football Reference, as of January 2025, he had a 55-47 regular-season record and a 3-2 postseason record.

What teams has Dan Quinn coached?

Dan Quinn's coaching career began in 1994, right after graduating from Salisbury University in 1993. His first coaching stint was with the College of William & Mary as the defensive line coach. The following season, he joined the Virginia Military Institute and, after that, Hofstra University from 1996 to 1999, serving as the defensive line coach at both. In 2000, he was promoted to the defensive coordinator at Hofstra.

Quinn's NFL coaching journey began with the San Francisco 49ers in 2001 as a defensive quality control coach and then as a defensive line coach from 2003 to 2004. Later, he held the same position, as defensive line coach, with the Seattle Seahawks (2009–2010), Miami Dolphins (2005–2006), and New York Jets (2007–2008). From 2011 to 2012, he was the University of Florida's defensive coordinator.

In 2013, Quinn again joined the Seattle Seahawks as a defensive coordinator and led the team to win the Super Bowl XLVIII. From 2015 to 2020, he got his debut head coach role with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2021, he was hired by the Dallas Cowboys as defensive coordinator until 2023, when the team's defenses led the league. Finally, after more than 20 years of coaching, he was hired as head coach of the Washington Commanders in February 2024, his second stint in that role.

College of William & Mary (1994)

In 1994, Quinn was hired as the defensive line coach at William & Mary Tribe, his first coaching position. The Tribe finished 8-3 with a 6-2 conference record during his one season as coach, according to the Sporting News.

Virginia Military Institute (1995)

In 1995, Quinn was hired by the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), continuing as the defensive line coach. Mike Tomlin, who has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2007, then joined Quinn as a wide receivers coach to start his career. According to the Sporting News, with Quinn on staff, the VMI Keydets had a 4-7 and 3-5 conference record.

Hofstra University (1996–2000)

From 1996 to 1999, Quinn was Hofstra University's (D-II program) defensive line coach and was promoted to the defensive coordinator the following season. Sporting News reports that he left the Hofstra Pride just before it joined the Atlantic 10 Conference. In 2000, being his last season with the team, he had a record of 9-4.

San Francisco 49ers (2001–2004)

The San Francisco 49ers hired Quinn as their quality control coach in 2001, and he stayed there for two seasons before being elevated to defensive line coach in 2003. Noticeably, in the former season, Dennis Erickson replaced Steve Mariucci as 49ers head coach, but Quinn was retained, as per the Sporting News.

Miami Dolphins (2005–2006)

From 2005 to 2006, Quinn joined the coaching staff of the Miami Dolphins as the defensive line coach, serving under former Alabama Crimson Tide coach and seven-time NCAA Division I FBS champion Nick Saban. Quinn had a record of 9-7 and 6-10 in 2005 and 2006, respectively, as per the Sporting News.

New York Jets (2007–2008)

In 2008, Quinn was hired by the New York Jets as the defensive line coach under Eric Mangini, a former coach with three Super Bowl wins.

Seattle Seahawks (2009–2010; 2013–2014)

Quinn served as the defensive line coach and assistant head coach for the Seattle Seahawks from 2009 to 2010. He did, however, leave the team in 2010 and return in 2013 as the defensive coordinator under then-head coach Pete Carroll.

The Seattle Cover 3 defensive scheme was developed by Carroll and Quinn and featured a formidable secondary (defensive backs) known as the “Legion of Boom” from 2011 to 2018. In 2013, Quinn helped the Seahawks win their first Super Bowl. The following season, the Seahawks again made a Super Bowl appearance, though they eventually fell to the New England Patriots 28-24.

University of Florida (2011–2012)

Quinn served as the Florida Gators' defensive coordinator and defensive line coach from 2011 to 2012, under then-head coach Will Muschamp. (via Sporting News)

Atlanta Falcons (2015–2020)

In 2015, Quinn was hired by the Atlanta Falcons head coach, making his debut in the role, replacing Mike Smith. He was honored at the 6th Annual NFL Honors with the 2016 Salute to Service Award. In 2017, he won the NFC Divisional Round and led Atlanta to an appearance in Super Bowl LI.

In terms of total takeaways, Atlanta finished sixth in the NFL with 105 during Quinn’s time as head coach. He concluded his time in Atlanta with a 3-2 postseason record and a 43-42 regular season record in 2020, as per the Washington Commanders. He was replaced by Raheem Morris.

Dallas Cowboys (2021-2023)

Quinn joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, taking Mike Nolan's place as head coach Mike McCarthy's defensive coordinator. During his tenure, the Cowboys finished fifth in the NFL in points per game (19.9), seventh in net yards allowed per game (327.0), sixth in sacks (141), and first in interceptions (59). He also won the 2021 Assistant Coach of the Year, according to the Washington Commanders.

Washington Commanders (2024–present)

Quinn became the Washington Commanders' head coach in February 2024. Since his appointment, he has become the Commanders' first head coach to win more than ten games in his debut season. As head coach, he hired Joe White Jr., Cowboys defensive coach, as defensive coordinator, and Kliff Kingsbury, former Arizona Cardinals coach, for offense.