Following three seasons as the defensive coordinator for the rival Dallas Cowboys, Dan Quinn was officially hired to be the next coach of the Washington Commanders on Feb. 3.
Each year that he served as Dallas’ defensive coordinator, his team led the league in takeaways.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to become the next head coach of such a storied franchise and fanbase,” Quinn said. “Under the leadership of Josh Harris, the ownership group, and Adam Peters, we cannot wait to help usher in a new era of Washington Commanders football. The organization has an outstanding vision, and I’m honored to be a part of what’s next.”
Quinn is a graduate of Salisbury University, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He entered the NFL as a defensive line coach in 2001 with the San Francisco 49ers before coaching for the Dolphins and Jets. He gained his earliest acclaim as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks during their “Legion of Boom” era.
“My partners and I entered this offseason intent on hiring elite candidates to shape the next chapter of Commanders football and I believe we did just that — first with Adam Peters and now by welcoming the highly respected Dan Quinn as our head coach,” said Harris following the hiring. “Dan has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds, building tough, explosive and dynamic teams that compete hard. But most importantly, he is an incredible leader who brings out the best in his players, coaches and staff.”
His current coaching record is 43-42, with a 3-2 postseason record that includes the Falcons’ 2017 Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots.
He won a Super Bowl as the defensive coordinator of the Seahawks in 2013.
The Commanders followed up on hiring Quinn by getting University of Southern California offensive coordinator Kliff Kingbsury and Dallas secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. to sign on as their offensive and defensive coordinator respectively.
Whitt worked under Quinn during the past three seasons, and Kingsbury has experience working with quarterback Caleb Williams who is expected to be a top draft pick.