This interview originally appeared in the FALL 2015 issue of The District.

We are pleased to connect with one of Morristown High School’s esteemed alumni. This summer we caught up with Dan Quinn, MHS class of ’89.

After graduating from Morristown High School in 1989, Dan attended college at Salisbury (Md.) University where he was a four-year letter winner and co-captain of the football team. He also lettered in track and  held the school’s record in the hammer throw. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with plans to teach and fulfill his career aspirations to be a coach. His first coaching job was at William and Mary where he coached the defensive line followed by a season at Virginia Military Institute. He went to Hofstra where he spent four years coaching the  defensive line and then became defensive coordinator in 2000.

Following his tenure at Hofstra, Quinn began his NFL coaching career where he had success with the San Francisco 49ers, the Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets and the Seattle Seahawks. Under Quinn’s leadership, the Seahawks had the League’s top defensive unit in 2013 and won Super Bowl XLVIII.

Today, Dan is the Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

MEF: “We have to ask first, what was it like winning the Super Bowl?”

DQ: “Winning the Super Bowl was so cool and such a terrific culmination for so many guys that worked hard together. It was great to be part of a team that was so close and truly played as well as it could. It was extra rewarding to be back in New Jersey to win… so many of my football memories come from New Jersey, it has a lot of special meaning for me.”

MEF: “What are you up to today?”

DQ: “I’m the Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons. I took over the job in February. I’m really enjoying the style and attitude of this team and to have an opportunity to do all of this in the great city of Atlanta.”

MEF: “What inspired you to your career in the NFL?”

DQ: “I knew growing up I wanted to coach. I grew up watching Bill Parcells and the Giants… When I attended Morristown High School I learned from many cool coaches… George Bellias, John Barnicle, Muzz Lindsley, Harry Shatel, Patty Mattos… they were all so great and I watched them all even though some were not my coaches. They were all role models for me. And even outside of high school, the great coaches in Morristown for the youth teams… the Flynn Family, Sam Champi, Tony Cattano…. They all influenced me.”

MEF: “What are you most proud of?”

DQ: “Knowing that you can have an impact…and not just with football. Knowing that I can mentor someone and make a positive contribution. I am most proud of the many relationships I have built over the years with the coaches and the players. They have all made my life better.”

MEF: “What was your favorite memory of Morristown High School?”

DQ: “I would love to say my time as valedictorian, but too many people who read this would know that was totally not true… I think for me it is the real pride about the town, belonging to a community and being part of the athletics there. I was on the football, indoor track and outdoor track teams. I remember big meets and big games. Other schools knew our teams were tough and I loved being part of all that. It fires me up to hear that this has continued throughout the generations. I was around many great coaches and players and I feel a lot of pride representing Morristown.”

MEF: “What of your success would you attribute to your experiences at the high school?”

DQ: “Probably knowing that I developed the grit to stick it out and work hard playing on my high school teams. I learned not to let setbacks stop you and to have the passion to keep going. Also, the great diversity… I did not appreciate it until I left for college. Coming from a big family and being part of a very diverse community is so important in our society today. I believe our students totally benefit from those opportunities.”

MEF: “What advice would you give a MHS student?”

DQ: “Basically not to hold back and to go for it right now. We are all responsible for our own self-determination. Each one of us need to take ownership of  our own journey and not wait for someone else to hand it to you.”

MEF: “If you had known then what you know now, would you have done anything differently in high school? If so, what?”

DQ: “Yes, I would have cherished more of my relationships. There are times when maybe you stay focused on a small group of your immediate friends and classmates. But there are so many cool people that I went to school with and I encourage students today to really cherish these early relationships. I am more mindful today of having them and more open-mined to get to know more people and who they are.”

MEF: “Thanks so much, Dan. We wish you all the best this season. We hope to see a lot of “quinning” for you and the team.”

DQ: “I just want to add that I appreciate so much the support from the community, from not just the times now, but up until this point.  I truly believe I am a part of the Morristown community… it’s where my roots are and we all have a common background.”