Seahawks’ D-line coach Quinn off to Florida

The Florida Gators continue to retool their coaching staff in the wake of Urban Meyer’s departure, and the latest addition is one close to home.

The university has confirmed that Seahawks defensive line coach Dan Quinn will become the team’s new defensive coordinator. It’s the university’s second “poaching” from a playoff team – the Gators will also welcome Kansas City offensive coordinator Charlie Weis into the fold at that same job whenever the Chiefs are eliminated from the postseason.

“Dan and I worked on the Miami Dolphins’ staff together and is one of the best I’ve been around in terms of teaching fundamentals,” new Florida head coach Will Muschamp told the Gainesville Sun. “He understands how defenses will need to be multiple and how to put players in a position to be successful.

“The Seattle organization has been great in coordinating the hiring of Dan to our staff and we wish them the best of luck in the playoffs.”

Hired by the Seahawks on January 12, 2009, Quinn was one of a few holdovers from the Jim Mora year when Pete Carroll took over in January of 2010. Working closely with Carroll and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Quinn helped build a defensive line that was more diverse than it had been in recent years.

Before a season-ending injury to defensive end Red Bryant, the Seahawks were one of the NFL’s best run-stopping teams. After a brief and abrupt downturn, the Seahawks placed Junior Siavii in Bryant’s role of run-stopping five-tech end and continued to limit opposing running backs.

The 40-year-old Quinn previously coached defensive lines for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, also working for the San Francisco 49ers as a quality control coach. His college resume includes stops at William & Mary, VMI, and Hofstra.

As with most transitional in-season hires, Quinn is expected to serve in his current role until his team’s season is over. The Seahawks face the New Orleans Saints in the wild-card round of the playoffs at 1:30 p.m Saturday at Qwest Field.