The Atlanta Falcons' defense has been reeling, but Dan Quinn hasn't shown any signs of handing over the defense to someone else. On Tuesday, Quinn cleared the air on why he won't give up defensive play-calling duties.
“My ego would never be as big as the team,” explained Quinn. “I’ll always do what’s best for the team. If I felt that was best, trust me, I would have certainly done that. I know what we can do, we can do better. That’s where my mind is. At this time, I don’t think that’s where I’m at. I don’t see myself in that space.”
After the conclusion of the 2018 season, Atlanta fired defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel after he spent four seasons with the team. Instead of hiring a new coordinator, the Falcons allowed Quinn to take over as the de facto defensive coordinator.
Article Continues BelowOf course, prior to becoming the Falcons head coach in 2015, Dan Quinn was the defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks in 2013 and 2014. However, being the head coach and defensive coordinator at the same time usually isn't a wise idea.
Just five weeks into the season, the Falcons have the 23rd ranked defense and have allowed 30.4 points per game. The only team in the NFL who has allowed more points per game is the lowly Miami Dolphins.
Due to their struggles on defense, Atlanta is currently 1-4 and are in last place in the NFC South. Quinn's job security is beginning to dwindle and the 49-year-old head coach is probably over his head trying to call plays for the defense.