Coach discuss former Gulls player, friend, and new Commanders coach, Dan Quinn

SALISBURY, Md. – Back in the day Dan Quinn made a name for himself as a football star right here in Salisbury. Fast forward about three decades later and he is the head man in Washington, looking to bring home a Super Bowl to the Commanders. We spoke with a long-time Gulls coach who has stayed in touch with Dan through every step of his coaching journey.

At his introductory press conference, Quinn discussed his days in Salisbury.

He was a defensive lineman, a two-time football captain. He also excelled in track, being named a track and field team captain and All Mason-Dixon in 1994.

Robb Disbennett has been a coach with Salisbury football for 33 years, and continues to stay in touch with Dan.

“He was two-time captain, as we talked about. And because captains are elected by their teammates, I think that speaks volumes.”

Disbennett described the qualities Quinn brought to the Gulls.

“You could see it in his work ethic, his competitiveness. his leadership abilities. Leaders show up when things aren’t going well. That’s really how you recognize them. It’s easy to lead when things are going well. It’s when things aren’t going well that the leaders rise to the top. And I always saw Dan being very positive, and I don’t know if you watch any of his press conferences, but that’s what he exudes.”

Quinn has been a defensive coordinator for super bowl champion head coach Pete Carroll, and was head coach of the Falcons in Super Bowl LI. Experiences like that will help him in Washington.

“I think that his experience in Atlanta is going to benefit him greatly in this experience. I’m really excited about the staff that he’s put around him… The goal is to win a Super Bowl, but right now he’s got to take care of business. But I know it would be awesome for that organization and for that fan base.”

No matter where he is coaching around the country he’s always remembered his roots on Delmarva, like his donation to the Friends of Sea Gull Football Golf Tournament.

“Wherever he’s coaching, a trip for four, two nights hotel, airfare. A lot of times there’s gear involved with it. So you can’t not be a fan of the team that he’s coaching.”

“I know he’s always constantly giving back. Again, I think with him being two and a half hours away it would be great to get him on campus a little bit more.”

Quinn will be apart of the biggest decision of his head coaching career at the NFL Draft in April.