By SU Public Relations
SALISBURY, MD—Salisbury University Athletics Hall of Fame member Dan Quinn ’94 is trading in his SU maroon and gold for the burgundy and gold of the National Football League’s (NFL’s) Washington Commanders, following today’s announcement that he will serve as the team’s new head coach.
“We take immense pride in the appointment of SU alum, Dan Quinn being named as the new head coach for the Washington Commanders,” said Carolyn Lepre, SU President. “We are thrilled that Dan's exceptional talent and unwavering passion have earned him this prestigious position. His achievement only helps to exemplify the caliber of talent fostered within our university, and we are excited to welcome Dan and his family back home.”
Quinn, who was inducted in the SU Hall of Fame in 2005, was a two-sport athlete, excelling in track & field and football.
On the gridiron, he was a feared defensive lineman, recording 145 total tackles. A regular in the lineup during his final three years, Quinn played in all 28 games, with 135 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.
As a thrower on the track and field team, Quinn set the school record in the hammer throw (168’ 8”), which stood for nearly 20 years, until 2012.
While at SU, Quinn met his future wife, Stacey ’91, an athletic trainer. The two have been supporters of SU ever since, creating three endowments, benefitting football, track and field, and athletic training.
“We’re excited to have Dan so close to home,” said Monica Polizzi, SU director of athletics and campus recreation. “He is an amazing example of hard work and reaching your dream. Dan has not only been an outstanding coach, but also retains close connections to SU and many of the athletic programs here. We will all be cheering for the Commanders’ success!”
Quinn rose through the coaching ranks following his graduation from SU, in assistant coaching roles with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. As a defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, he went to the Super Bowl twice, winning in 2014 as his defense put on an incredible show against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in a 43-8 victory.
After a six-year stint as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, including another Super Bowl appearance in 2018, Quinn has spent the past three seasons leading the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, one of the best in the NFL in that time, before getting the call to head to the nation’s capital.
“Dan has proven to be one of the brightest minds in the NFL, and we are thrilled to see him lead such a storied franchise as the Commanders,” said Sherman Wood, head coach of the SU football program. “He not only possesses the knowledge that the position requires, but he is a great leader of men, and I believe he will be a great success with the Commanders.”
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.