Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dan Quinn (American football)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 28, 2025

How Dan Quinn (American football) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Dan Quinn is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach for the Washington Commanders. He gained recognition as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks (2013-2014), leading the team's defense, known as the 'Legion of Boom,' to become the NFL's top-ranked defense in both seasons. Under his leadership, the Seahawks made consecutive Super Bowl appearances, securing their first Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1991: Highest Win Total Since 1991

In 2024, The Washington Commanders finished the season with a record of 12-5, their highest win total since 1991.

1994: Defensive Line Coach

In 1994, Dan Quinn began his football coaching career as a defensive line coach with the William & Mary Tribe.

1995: Defensive Line Coach

In 1995, Dan Quinn served as the defensive line coach with the VMI Keydets.

1996: Defensive Line Coach

In 1996, Dan Quinn served as the defensive line coach for the Hofstra Pride.

1997: Falcons First 0-5 Start

In 1997, The Falcons also had an 0-5 start to the season.

1999: Defensive Line Coach

In 1999, Dan Quinn served as the defensive line coach for the Hofstra Pride.

2000: Defensive Coordinator

In 2000, Dan Quinn served as the defensive coordinator for the Hofstra Pride.

2001: Defensive Quality Control Coach

In 2001, Dan Quinn was hired as a defensive quality control coach by the San Francisco 49ers.

2003: Defensive Line Coach

In 2003, Dan Quinn was promoted to defensive line coach for the San Francisco 49ers.

2005: Defensive Line Coach

In 2005, Dan Quinn worked as the defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins.

2006: Defensive Line Coach

In 2006, Dan Quinn worked as the defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins.

2007: Defensive Line Coach

In 2007, Dan Quinn worked as the defensive line coach for the New York Jets.

2008: Defensive Line Coach

In 2008, Dan Quinn worked as the defensive line coach for the New York Jets.

2009: Defensive Line Coach

In 2009, Dan Quinn worked as the defensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

2010: Defensive Line Coach

In 2010, Dan Quinn worked as the defensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

2011: Defensive Coordinator

In 2011, Dan Quinn served as the defensive coordinator of the Florida Gators.

2012: Defensive Coordinator

In 2012, Dan Quinn served as the defensive coordinator of the Florida Gators.

January 17, 2013: Hired as Seahawks Defensive Coordinator

On January 17, 2013, Dan Quinn was hired by the Seattle Seahawks as their defensive coordinator under head coach Pete Carroll.

February 2, 2015: Hired as Head Coach

On February 2, 2015, Dan Quinn was hired as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

2015: Finished Season 8-8

In 2015, The Falcons finished the season 8-8 and missing the playoffs

2016: Falcons Reached Super Bowl LI

In the 2016 season, Dan Quinn's Atlanta Falcons won the NFC South with an 11-5 record, defeated the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round, and advanced to Super Bowl LI after defeating the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship. Quinn also won the 2016 Salute to Service award at the 6th NFL Honors.

2017: Playoff Appearance

In the 2017 season, Dan Quinn's Atlanta Falcons finished with a 10-6 record and made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs before losing to the Philadelphia Eagles.

2019: Defensive Turnaround

In the 2019 season, after starting 1-7, Dan Quinn's Falcons finished 7-9 after a defensive turnaround, but missed the playoffs for a second consecutive year. He was announced to return for the 2020 season.