New Florida Gators head coach Will Muschamp claimed during his introductory press conference that he wanted to run a pro-style offense and defense. He has completely set that in motion by officially hiring Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach and defensive line coach Dan Quinn as his defensive coordinator.
Quinn, who has coached in the NFL since 2001 including stints with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, began his career at William & Mary in 1994. He moved on to Virginia Military Institute (1995) and then Hofstra (1996-2000) before deciding to go to the NFL. Quinn served as Hofstra’s defensive coordinator in 2000.
He will remain with his current team through the NFL Playoffs.
When Muschamp was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Dolphins under head coach Nick Saban in 2005, Quinn served as his defensive line coach. That year Miami ranked 15th in total defense (19.8 points and 317.4 yards per game) but was second in quarterback sacks (49).
“Dan and I worked on the Miami Dolphins’ staff together and he is one of the best I’ve been around in terms of teaching fundamentals,” Muschamp said on Monday. “He understands how defenses will need to be multiple and how to put players in a position to be successful. The Seattle organization has been great in coordinating the hiring of Dan to our staff and we wish them the best of luck in the playoffs.”
Muschamp is expected to be heavily involved in Florida’s defense. It is currently unknown whether Quinn will coach the defensive line himself.
“He’s a high-energy guy, and he brings that to the field for practice. And we can feed off that, because he’s ready to go everyday. He’s very involved. He’s just relentless,” Seattle’s seven-year veteran defensive tackle Craig Terrill said of Quinn in 2009.
The Gators still have one open position on the coaching staff (responsibilities to be determined) to reach the NCAA limit of nine assistants.
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*McCarney was also assistant head coach; Heater held the role of co-defensive coordinator. Muschamp has not named an assistant (or associate) head coach as of press time.
Photo Credit: Otto Greule, Jr./Getty Images
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