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Sports

Falcons announce Quinn as head coach

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Flowery Branch, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - Just one day after directing the Seattle Seahawks' defense in Super Bowl XLIX, Dan Quinn has been named the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Multiple reports earlier on Monday stated that Quinn, the Seahawks' defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, had agreed to a five-year contract with the Falcons to take over for the fired Mike Smith. The 44-year-old is set to be formally introduced at a news conference scheduled for Tuesday.

The Falcons' interest in Quinn, whose units in Seattle yielded the fewest yards and points in the NFL in both 2013 and 2014, was well known around league circles, and the team was willing to wait until the Seahawks completed their playoff run before finally making the move.

Atlanta, which fired Smith in late December after a second consecutive losing season, had previously interviewed Quinn twice for the job before making him its top choice.

"I would like to personally thank Seahawks coach Pete Carroll for his patience and support during our head coach search," said Falcons owner Arthur Blank. "I'm sure the Seahawks will be sorry to see Dan leave, but no one has been more supportive of this opportunity for Dan than Pete."

Quinn emerged as a sought-after candidate by constructing a Seahawks defense that allowed just 14.4 points and 273.6 total yards per game during the 2013 season, which the group capped with a dominant performance in Seattle's 43-8 rout of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

It was Quinn's first season as an NFL defensive coordinator, though he previously served in that role at the University of Florida for two years prior to returning to Seattle. Quinn was the Seahawks' assistant head coach and defensive line coach from 2009-10.

The Seahawks were equally as strong on the defensive side this past season. Seattle permitted 15.9 points and 267.1 yards per game en route to a second straight NFC title.

"This is an exciting day for the Atlanta Falcons franchise and our fans," said Blank. "Dan is a talented football coach who has a deep and diverse history in the game, which will serve us well. As we got to know Dan during the interview process, it became clear that he has a definitive plan for our football team and what it will take to win on a consistent basis."

According to NFL.com, the Seahawks will promote defensive backs coach Kris Richards to defensive coordinator in Quinn's place.

Former Cleveland offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is expected to join Quinn's staff as the primary play-caller. Shanahan resigned from the Browns following the conclusion of this past season over differences with the team's front office.