FRISCO, Texas — A new era dawns in Dallas on defense. First-year defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will operate the headset on Sundays. As a coaching transition happens, so does the approach. Every coach has a different style on the turf, but Quinn has made his intentions clear- he is hands-on.
“The time on the field, that’s the best part of the week for me in the preparation phase,” Quinn described to media during the NFL draft weekend. “I like teaching in the classroom, but the on the field work, the in the drill work, that part is — it’s priceless for me because you can give instant feedback to somebody about their technique, about where they’re at, and having that energy, that’s the best. I love being hands on with the guys. I’ll be involved with the drill work with them. But I want to feel them. I want to know them. The only way I can do that is to build those relationships with them and spend some time with them.”
As rookie minicamp began at the Star this past week, Quinn’s coaching style was in full view. He had one-on-one time with several players including Quinton Bohanna. Bohanna tweaked his shoulder and while absent from the defensive line, 50-year-old Quinn jumped in at nose tackle for a couple plays. The new DC in Dallas was willing to put his hands in the dirt and his instruction is already resonating with players.
“Coach Quinn, he puts so much attention to detail in the small things,” Bohanna said. “So that’s the biggest impression I’d say.”
Instead of simulating stunts, blitzes, and pass rush moves in a meeting environment, Quinn aims to physically work through the process. Coaching has always run in Quinn’s veins, even as a young kid growing up in New Jersey. Now his love of teaching has become reality in the NFL and instrumental in the development of players under his tutelage.
“I grew up in New Jersey, about 20 miles west of Manhattan. I wanted to teach and coach. And that was kind of the vision I had. I loved — I played a bunch of sports… I went to college. I was an elementary ed major and my very first job, I was getting my teaching certificate, but as I got into college, I thought, ‘Well, I’d like to take this further and do it as a full-time thing,’ and did that in college for six years. And then when the opportunity came to the NFL, I kind of thought, ‘Well, that’s the highest in our profession that we can get to.’ So, I wanted to go after it as hard as I could. I loved the connection. I love to teach. I love the competition. So, it’s, I guess, all of those things wrapped up.”
It can often come across as cliché, but Quinn is the embodiment of a “player’s coach.” One-on-one moments with players on the practice field is the reason why Quinn never wanted to spend time away from the game after parting ways with the Atlanta Falcons midway through the 2020 season. He is a true steward of the game, and his energetic coaching style translates into his players’ fight on the gridiron.
Quinn is known for creating the iconic “Legion of Boom” defense in Seattle from 2013-14 and his demeanor is widely respected around the league. He previously played in the D-Line himself at Salisbury University in Maryland and coached the position group with several NFL teams including the Seahawks and 49ers.
He now has the opportunity of revamping the Cowboys’ defense with a new scheme. Last season, Dallas finished 31st in run defense, 23rd in total defense, and allowed the most points in franchise history (473). Switching from a one-gap to a two-gap front in Mike Nolan’s defense in 2020 had a disastrous outcome. Instead of being able to slash and quickly burst into the backfield, players had to sit and hold the line of scrimmage then react. The poor performance up front impacted the second and third levels of the defense in the lackluster year. Quinn is tasked with turning the defense around, beginning with the infusion of talent on the defensive line. He puts players in position to have success by amplifying individual skillsets. Quinn now has new weapons in his arsenal come fall.
“Much like a player, I guess I have to prove it,” Quinn remarked. “I’m very much looking forward to proving that. The very best competitive moments in my life have come from prove-it moments, and, like competitors, I very much enjoy doing that. So, I guess we’ll have to see.”
