Atlanta Falcons credit Dan Quinn for finding way to build ‘brotherhood’

HOUSTON — From the very start of his tenure in Atlanta, Falcons coach Dan Quinn strove to connect with his players, to cultivate a bond that would benefit his growth as a first-year head coach and the players he was charged to steward.

And while he didn’t reach those goals immediately he stayed the course. Before he earned the right to run his own team, Quinn collected lessons learned from his previous bosses. He shaped his philosophy based on those experiences and came to understand that staying true to a set ideology would fuel his individual success.

Whether it is music during practice or “bumper sticker” slogans that foster togetherness, Quinn adhered to what he believed integral to his team’s wellbeing.

“The biggest connection that you try to make with a player is get to know them so you understand the clearest way you can help that player develop or how far they can go,” Quinn said. “Sometimes a player might not know how far they can go or the vision of how good they can be. That’s one of the things I love so much about coaching is explaining to this player what you can be. That’s always been our job as coaches is take every player on our roster as far as we can.

“It is more challenging as a head coach. When you become a head coach, how do you find those moments to connect with a player to make sure we’re looking out for you. It doesn’t happen overnight. I definitely wanted to happen overnight and it didn’t. It’s not easy to go through that but it’s worth it.”

That destination was reached this season. As the Falcons prepare for Super Bowl LI, the word “brotherhood” echoes throughout interviews. Players from both sides of the ball are quick to credit Quinn for finding a way to build that bridge.

“He does such a great job of connecting with you on a personal level, understanding what makes you tick and what makes you go,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “He’s nailed that with me. He’s nailed that with everybody on our team. So, he’s a great motivator.

“He also makes things feel real normal. That’s probably one of his best attributes is that regardless of the situation we’re going into, he’s really honest, really up front, and makes you feel real comfortable in all situations.”

Quinn hasn’t only reached vets like Ryan. Younger players have tipped their cap to Quinn for creating an environment that focuses on football, frivolity and family.

“The atmosphere that he’s brought to this program from Day 1 has been one of togetherness and a lot of energy,” said Falcons second-year cornerback Jalen Collins. “It just makes it fun for us.