PHOENIX -- The Seahawks don't have to worry about defensive coordinator Dan Quinn's imminent departure to Atlanta standing as a potential distraction in the days leading up to Super Bowl XLIX.
It's evident after speaking with a handful of Seahawks defensive stars at Tuesday's Media Day that Quinn still carries the utmost respect with his players.
One day after predicting that the Falcons will become an "automatic" playoff team once Quinn revamps their defense, linebacker K.J. Wright labeled his coordinator a "defensive mastermind."
Quinn's Super Bowl XLVIII game plan was a masterpiece which defensive end Michael Bennett helped put into perspective on Tuesday.
Asked by Around The NFL what it is about Quinn that will make him a successful head coach, Bennett quipped, "I think it's because he likes to drop his, uh, lower extremities during big games."
Bennett added that sometimes coaches get big egos and credit their own scheme for success whereas Quinn understands that it's about putting the players in the best position to succeed.
Defensive linemen Kevin Williams, Tony McDaniel and Cliff Avril also pointed to Quinn as a great player's coach, capable of breaking down football strategy into simple terms so the players can execute at a high level.
Because Jaguars coach Gus Bradley also experienced success as Pete Carroll's right-hand man before taking the Jacksonville job, there's a misguided perception that Quinn is a product of Seattle's system.
In the face of that skepticism, though, Quinn's players are convinced the Falcons made a wise choice.
"I think if he stays with that boxing type of mentality," All-Pro safety Earl Thomas said, "he's going to have success wherever he goes."
The latest Around The NFL Podcast reacts to Super Bowl Media Day and breaks down the storylines nobody is talking about. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
