In 17 seasons as a coach and four as a player, Will Muschamp has never seen anyone coach a defensive line better than Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
“He’s the best front guy I’ve been around as far as technique and coaching fundamentals,” the Gators’ head coach said. “He does a really outstanding job.”
Quinn, who in his second season has No. 6 Florida (10-1) ranked fourth nationally in total defense heading into Saturday’s showdown against No. 10 FSU (10-1), said he honed his craft while working with NFL defensive linemen.
After playing at Division III Salisbury State from 1990-93, Quinn coached six seasons between William and Mary, Virginia Military Institute and Hofstra before accepting a job with the San Francisco 49ers in 2001.
“(I) thought I knew a little bit about football,” Quinn said. “I went there and I realized I hardly knew anything.”
Quinn coached defensive line for two years each with the 49ers, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks before accepting a job at Florida in January 2011.
Initially, Quinn was hesitant to make the jump from the NFL back to the college ranks.
“(When) you have done one thing for 10 years, you’re kind of settled, and I certainly enjoyed where I was at,” Quinn said. “But, I thought the opportunity was too unique to pass up, and that’s why I wanted to come. And I’m glad that I did.”
The Gators are glad he did, too.
Under Quinn and Muschamp’s shared philosophy of mixing 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, UF’s defense has enabled the team to overcome an inconsistent offense and enjoy a turnaround after 7-6 and 8-5 seasons. The Gators are fourth in this week’s BCS standings, with an outside shot at playing for the national championship.
Beyond what it has done for Florida, the multiple defensive scheme has readied players for life in the NFL — including several underclassmen who are rated high on NFL Draft boards and will consider an early exit after this season.
“It’s really going to prepare not just me, but everybody who has aspirations at the next level,” linebacker Jelani Jenkins said. “The whole defense, we rally behind [Quinn]. We play for him.”
Jenkins and safety Josh Evans also spoke highly of Quinn away from football, calling the defensive coordinator a “great guy.”
Evans, from Irvington, N.J., said he and Quinn, also from New Jersey, often chat about their home lives.
“He’s somebody I see as a mentor beside football,” Evans said. “He can relate. … His knowledge for the game is overboard.”
Players at every level have given Quinn similarly high praise.
With the Miami Dolphins in 2005-06, Quinn coached defensive end Jason Taylor to 25.5 sacks, two Pro Bowl appearances and the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2006.
“He’s high energy and a lot of fun to play for, but also extremely knowledgeable,” Taylor said. “I can guarantee no one is more prepared than Dan. He’s certainly one of the best position coaches I ever played for.”
While stars like Taylor stand out, Quinn’s impact has been felt up and down the depth chart.
Defensive end Earl Okine, who plays sparingly in Florida’s rotation, has recorded 12 tackles this season after notching just 15 in his first three years.
“Dan Quinn is probably the best thing that’s ever happened to me in my football career,” Okine said. “He conveys his message on his techniques very well, better than I’ve ever seen a coach do.”
Quinn said he’s enjoyed his foray into college coaching, but despite his success as a coordinator he says he has not considered becoming a head coach. His sole focus is on his developing his players — and a scheme to stop the Seminoles’ potent offense.
“I’ve had a blast,” Quinn said. “The relationships of helping the guys develop is something that you certainly appreciate.”
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