Dan Quinn Takes Hands-On Approach To DC Job

FRISCO, Texas – It was only a weekend rookie minicamp featuring only 12 defensive players -- a combination of draft picks, signed rookie free agents and camp tryouts.

But two open practices provided a clear picture of new Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's coaching style:

Hands-on.

Quinn, who replaced Mike Nolan in January after six seasons as the Atlanta Falcons' head coach, spent time working directly with the four defensive linemen in camp: three draft picks (Osa Odighizuwa, Chauncey Golston and Quinton Bohanna) and undrafted tackle Austin Faoliu.

And when the rookies went to team drills Saturday, the 50-year-old coach jumped in at nose tackle for a couple plays until Bohanna returned from a tweaked shoulder.
https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/dan-quinn-takes-hands-on-approach-to-dc-job

It's good he is hands on. I was afraid he might coach by ZOOM.

At least he didn't take social distancing to the extreme like what Nolan did.

The return of traditional coaching is very welcome.

Has there ever been a “hands off” DC? I mean in the history of the league? Ever?

I'm impressed with Dan Quinn -- he not only coaches but he participates in practice, as well . . .

Whyjerry said:

Has there ever been a “hands off” DC? I mean in the history of the league? Ever?

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Methinks it might have been Mike Nolan . . .

Whyjerry said:

Has there ever been a “hands off” DC? I mean in the history of the league? Ever?

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Nolan....see Cowboys defense 2020

Whyjerry said:

Has there ever been a “hands off” DC? I mean in the history of the league? Ever?

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nolan, Mike

ItzKelz said:

Nolan....see Cowboys defense 2020

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Well, we all saw what happened when he did touch things...

Bullflop said:

Methinks it might have been Mike Nolan . . .

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Yeah. Sorry guys. Forgot about him. Already.

ConstantReboot said:

At least he didn't take social distancing to the extreme like what Nolan did.

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Yeah....he wasn't even on the sidelines during games, until maybe, midseason, I think? And yes, I realize there are some coordinators who like to stay in the booth. I still remember when the cameras would pan into the booth when Zampese was here; he would be twirling around a fistful of pens in one hand!! This was before the "fidget spinners" were invented! LOL

maryquality said:

Yeah....he wasn't even on the sidelines during games, until maybe, midseason, I think? And yes, I realize there are some coordinators who like to stay in the booth. I still remember when the cameras would pan into the booth when Zampese was here; he would be twirling around a fistful of pens in one hand!! This was before the "fidget spinners" were invented! LOL

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yeh Nolan staying snuggled up in the coaches booth is one of the things that peeved me so much, ..especially when there was utter mass confusion and frustration going on on the playing field and on the sidelines.
eventually even came down to Jane Slaters' report of players grumbling and beginning to leak and speak out in the locker room complaints about the coaching (or lack thereof)
i think it wasn't until that report happened that Nolan finally decided to be in person on sidelines with his players.

and i've heard several well reputed ex and current defensive coaches and coordinators say that they want to be on the sideline with their players for better communication and motivation - to rile them up or calm them down, '- they prefer getting into the faces of their players.

Were those ink pens ... or cigarettes that were in Ernie Zampese's hand fist ?.... Dude was just puffing and smoking like a Dragon in that coaches booth... !!
..LOL