Defensive backs coach joins Falcons
Posted on February 11, 2008
Part of Joe Danna’s coaching and teaching experience includes something he calls “pearls of wisdom.”
Danna, the defensive backs coach for the JMU football team last fall, is looking to take that wisdom to the next level after being hired Monday by the Atlanta Falcons as the defensive quality control coach.
“JMU was a special experience,” Danna said. “Coach Mickey Matthews runs a great program that wins and prepares at a high level.”
As an assistant coach he will be in charge of working with the linebackers and defensive backs. Danna will also be in charge of breaking down film for the team’s next opponent.
Danna played college football at Central Michigan from 1995-98, lettering each season. His transition to a defensive coach was in 2000 as a coach at Central Michigan forcing him to learn both sides of the ball.
“He set the bar high and expected us to reach our goals,” sophomore defensive back Ryan Dean said. “He emphasized the importance of work ethic and preparation on and off the field.”
On the field the Dukes excelled under Danna. Last season, Madison had eight interceptions from five different players while allowing less than 200 yards per game.
Danna was always straightforward with his players according to Dean — a trait that will help at the professional level.
“I have a lot to find out,” Danna said. “I will be coaching with the best of the best and I hope to learn all that I can.
Coaching the best players will not be new to Danna. As an assistant at the University of Georgia in 2001, Danna coached the defensive backs to the Music City Bowl led by three players who would reach the NFL: Jermaine Phillips, currently the starting safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sean Jones, a starting safety for the Cleveland Browns and cornerback Bruce Thornton of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“[JMU] was valuable to my career,” Danna said. “I have always taken it one year at a time and have focused on doing the best job I can each season.”
Danna is one of the hardest working coaches Dean said he has been around. He continued to push his players mentally and physically throughout the season, looking to get the best out of each individual player.
“Coach Danna works as hard or harder than anyone and strives to be the best at what he does,” Dean said.
Coming off a 4-12 season, the Falcons will need Danna to continue to preach hard work on and off the field. The Falcons will enter the season led by former Pro Bowl defensive back DeAngelo Hall who will be key to the rebuilding process in Atlanta.
“I am looking to just try and help the Falcons win as many games as possible,” Danna said.
