The Atlanta Falcons formally announced Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as the team’s next coach on Monday. It was reported earlier that they deal is over five years, but no contract figures have been released.
The Falcons said Quinn will be introduced at a news conference on Tuesday. Quinn replaces Mike Smith, who was fired following a 6-10 finish in 2014.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he was impressed by Quinn’s “definitive plan for our football team and what it will take to win on a consistent basis.”
“He also has a proven ability to develop players by maximizing their individual strengths,” Blank said.
The Falcons exercised patience while waiting for Quinn, who could not be offered a job until after Seattle’s 28-24 Super Bowl loss Sunday night to the New England Patriots.
“This felt like the right fit from the beginning, and I want to thank Mr. Blank for his resolve as this was an extended and complicated process,” Quinn said in a statement released by the team. “My goal is to build upon the foundation that has been laid here and to play a physical brand of football as we build a championship caliber team.”
Quinn, 44, helped Seattle reach back-to-back Super Bowls. Seattle beat Denver in last year’s championship.
His strong record in his two years with Seattle won over the Falcons, who have struggled on defense while finishing a combined 10-22 the past two seasons. The Falcons allowed the most total yards and yards passing in the league this season.
The Seahawks led the NFL in scoring defense, total defense and takeaways while winning the Super Bowl last season. Quinn’s defense shined in the Super Bowl win over Peyton Manning and the Broncos. He previously was defensive line coach for the Seahawks, 49ers, Dolphins and Jets.
Seattle ranked sixth in total defense this season.
Quinn’s second interview came in the bye week following the AFC championship game. Blank on Monday thanked Seattle coach Pete Carroll for granting Quinn permission for the follow-up meeting with the Falcons.
“I would like to personally thank Seahawks coach Pete Carroll for his patience and support during our head coach search,” Blank said. “I’m sure the Seahawks will be sorry to see Dan leave, but no one has been more supportive of this opportunity for Dan than Pete.”
Carroll recently described Quinn as “a great communicator” and “a fantastic teacher. He’s got a real toughness about him – innovative.”
The Falcons also interviewed New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, former Bills coach Doug Marrone and Atlanta special teams coach Keith Armstrong.
Quinn was the University of Florida’s defensive coordinator in 2011-12 before taking over the Seahawks’ defense.
The Falcons’ defense needs a lot of juice, especially up front where Atlanta’s pass rush was one of the worst in the NFL under the Mike Smith regime. While Quinn won’t have nearly the pieces to play with that he enjoyed in Seattle, defensive backs Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford provide a tangible base.
没有评论:
发表评论