ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ long wait for new leadership on the field finally ended Monday when Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was named the team’s coach.

The Falcons said Quinn will be introduced at a news conference on Tuesday. Quinn replaces Mike Smith, who was fired following a 6-10 finish in 2014.

The team did not release details of the deal, but a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press earlier Monday that Quinn agreed to a five-year contract.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he was impressed by Quinn’s “definitive plan for our football team and what it will take to win on a consistent basis.”

“He also has a proven ability to develop players by maximizing their individual strengths,” Blank said.

The Falcons exercised patience while waiting for Quinn, who could not be offered a job until after Seattle’s 28-24 Super Bowl loss Sunday night to the New England Patriots.

“This felt like the right fit from the beginning, and I want to thank Mr. Blank for his resolve as this was an extended and complicated process,” Quinn said in a statement released by the team. “My goal is to build upon the foundation that has been laid here and to play a physical brand of football as we build a championship caliber team.”

Quinn, 44, helped Seattle reach back-to-back Super Bowls.

His strong record in his two years with Seattle won over the Falcons, who have struggled on defense while finishing a combined 10-22 the past two seasons. The Falcons allowed the most total yards and yards passing in the league this season.

The Seahawks led the NFL in scoring defense, total defense and takeaways while winning the Super Bowl last season. Quinn’s defense shined in the Super Bowl win over Peyton Manning and the Broncos. He previously was defensive line coach for the Seahawks, 49ers, Dolphins and Jets.