NFL San Francisco 49ers

Dan Quinn Should Replace Jim Harbaugh As San Francisco 49ers’ Head Coach

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Dan Quinn

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers mutually parted ways earlier tonight, the search is officially on for a new head coach for the first time in four years.

Now is the time that the 49ers can get their edge over their divisional rival.

Dan Quinn is currently the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Even the most casual fan is aware of the Legion of Boom that’s inhabited the rainy city ever since Quinn was signed to a three-year deal in 2013.

Before Quinn took over as the defensive coordinator for Pete Carroll‘s team, he was the defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators in 2011 and 2012. There he had the Gators’ defense ranked top 10 nationally both seasons, with 2012 being the best when his defense were fifth nationally wih 15.4 points scored per game, second in pass efficiency defense and fourth in rush defense with 94.9 yards allowed per game. The defense also only allowed a total of nine passing touchdowns, which also ranked second in the nation.

Since coming back to Seattle (served as defensive line coach from 2009-2011), Quinn has led what’s arguably one of the best defenses we’ve possibly ever seen in the NFL. In 2013, the Seahawks’ defense ranked first in both total defense (273.6 ypg) and pass defense (172 ypg) and tied for seventh in rush defense (101.6 ypg) with the Denver Broncos. This season hasn’t been any different, ranking first in total defense (268.6 ypg) and in passing defense (184.5 ypg) and third in rushing defense (84.1 ypg), ranking only behind the Detroit Lions and the Broncos.

Those type of rankings will polish any resume, but what has really put Quinn over the top is what he did in the 2014 Super Bowl against the Broncos. From the very first snap his defense shut down Peyton Manning and the Denver offense and the Seahawks sailed to a 43-8 blow out.

For the 49ers to acquire Quinn, they’d have to wait until the Seahawks are eliminated from the playoffs or, for the second consecutive season, win the Super Bowl. They’d also have to buy out the last year on his contract, which may cost around $2 million.

Fortunately for San Francisco fans, they won’t have to wait long to see a winning team again if the 49ers pursue Quinn.

Tyler Olson is an NFL and Miami Dolphins writer for www.RantSports.com.  Follow him on Twitter @to2471 and connect with him on Google.

 

 

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