David Quinn was among the primary candidates for the head coaching vacancy at Nebraska-Omaha. That job ultimately went to Dean Blais, but Quinn, the Boston University associate head coach, managed to land a head coaching gig after all.

Quinn was named head coach of the American Hockey League’s Lake Erie Monsters Monday. Ironically, he’s replacing a ex-BU standout — Quinn, who played for Jack Parker from 1984-87, takes over for Joe Sacco, who was recently named head coach of the Monsters’ parent club, the Colorado Avalanche. Sacco skated for the Terriers from 1987-90.

The team Quinn inherits, the Cleveland-based Monsters, finished sixth in the AHL’s North Division last season.