Seahawks assistant Quinn exits to take over Florida's defense

Published: Jan 03, 2011 at 05:25 AM

Seattle Seahawks defensive line coach Dan Quinn is leaving the team to become the defensive coordinator at the University of Florida, sources first told *The Gainesville Sun* on Monday.

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Florida later confirmed the hire of Quinn and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who confirmed Sunday that he was joining the Gators.

Quinn will remain on the Seahawks' staff as the team makes its way through the playoffs, according to the sources. He then will join the staff of new Florida coach Will Muschamp, with whom Quinn coached while with the Miami Dolphins in 2005 and 2006.

"Dan ... is one of the best I've been around in terms of teaching fundamentals," Muschamp said. "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."

Quinn began his coaching career at William & Mary in 1994 and will return to the college ranks after 10 years in the NFL with the Seahawks (2010), New York Jets (2007-08), Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers (2001-04).

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