FLOWERY BRANCH – Alabama coach Nick Saban took a break from landing the nation's top recruiting class to discuss new Falcons head coach Dan Quinn on Wednesday.
Quinn worked on Saban’s staff when he was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2005-06.
“Dan Quinn is an outstanding coach,” Saban told Marq Burnett the Alabama football beat writer for the Anniston Star and former Atlanta Journal-Constitution intern. “Very bright guy. High energy. Good teacher. Really well liked by the players.”
In 2005, Quinn helped the Dolphins rank first in the AFC and second in the NFL with 49 sacks. Miami also finished third in the AFC in yards per play (4.7) and fourth in yards per carry (3.7).
The 2006 Dolphins totaled 47 sacks, third in the NFL. That season, Jason Taylor finished fourth in the NFL with 13.5 sacks under Quinn’s guidance.
Quinn’s 2006 Miami team also ranked third in the NFL in yards per play (4.6), fourth in total defense (289.1) and fifth in
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
rushing yards per attempt (3.5).
“Players really respond to him and it's because he's a good teacher and he affects their ability to be successful,” Saban said. “That's what any player wants, especially professional players.”
Saban believes that his former assistant is ready to run a NFL team.
“I think he'll do an outstanding job,” Saban said. “I mean, you couldn't do a more outstanding job than what he did as a coordinator (with Seattle). He certainly proved what kind of leadership he has with the group in Seattle the last couple of years with what they've done defensively.
“We're really pleased and happy for him. I think he'll do a great job for the Falcons.”
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