MAROON AND GOLD suits Salisbury University Athletics Hall of Famer Dan Quinn ’94. Except now, he’s wearing burgundy and gold as Head Coach of the Washington Commanders!
A much-anticipated announcement for the team, the move is a homecoming of sorts for Dan and his wife Stacey ’91. A New Jersey native, he held various coaching positions in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) region, before climbing the ranks of the National Football League.
During his introductory press conference for the Commanders, Quinn gave this spoiler alert to Washington fans: “You’ll often hear me say, ‘be where your feet are.’ So let me tell you, I am ready to run. I’m incredibly grateful for all that has led to my feet being here.”
Since becoming head coach, Quinn has been asked in interviews about attending Salisbury, only a couple hours from DC.
“It was a cool spot to go to school,” Quinn told JP Finlay with NBC Sports Washington. “Good for summer jobs. I did a lot of bouncing, different days, different spots. It was an absolute blast going to college there and meeting a lot of lifelong friends.”
On The Sports Junkies radio show, host Jason Bishop ’94 reminded Quinn about interviewing him and SU’s quarterback in 1993 on the Sports Wrap, a campus sports show that aired on residence hall televisions.
Of course, Quinn said the best part of his Salisbury days was meeting Stacey.
The best call I ever made was to say, ‘hey do you want to go out,’” he said. “So, 29 years later here we are. She is my ‘ride or die’ and has been with me on this football life that is ups and downs. It’s an absolutely awesome life we share together.”
A 2005 SU Hall of Fame inductee, Quinn was a two-sport athlete, excelling in track & field and football. Stacey was an athletic trainer. The two have remained SU supporters over the years, creating three endowments benefiting athletics.
On the gridiron, Quinn was a feared defensive lineman, recording 145 total tackles. In his final three years, he played all 28 games, with 135 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and one interception, returned for a touchdown. In track & field, he set the school record in the hammer throw
(168’ 8”), which stood for nearly 20 years.
After graduating from SU, Quinn rose through coaching ranks, leading to assistant coaching roles with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. As the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, he went to the Super Bowl twice, winning in 2014 as his defense stopped Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in a 43-8 victory.
After five-plus seasons as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach, including another Super Bowl appearance in 2018, Quinn spent the past three seasons leading the Dallas Cowboys’ defense.
“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 SU Football Head Coach Sherman Wood.
Robb Disbennett, a Salisbury football coach for 33 years who continues to stay in touch with Quinn, recalled the qualities he brought to the Sea Gulls.
“He was a two-time captain … and because captains are elected by their teammates, I think that speaks volumes,” Disbennett shared. “You could see it in his work ethic, his competitiveness, his leadership abilities. I always saw Dan being very positive.”
“He is an amazing example of hard work and reaching your dream,” said Monica Polizzi, SU director of athletics and campus recreation. “We will all be cheering for the Commanders’ success!”
Pictured: Dan and Stacey Quinn stand with Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris (left) and General Manager Adam Peters (right) during a press conference at Commanders Park.
Cheer on Dan and Stacey Quinn
The SU Alumni Association is planning a massive alumni gathering at FedEx Field for the Commanders’ home opener at 1 p.m. Sunday, September 15.
Save-the-date, dig out your maroon and gold, and look for more details!