A quick connect coupler includes a female connector having a central bore and a plurality of recesses, and a male connector having a post insertable into the central bore. The male connector has a first tab row with a plurality of first tabs and a second tab row with a plurality of second tabs axially spaced from the plurality of first tabs. The first and second tabs are shaped corresponding to the recesses in the female connector. The first and second tab rows are circumferentially offset to effect a two- or multi-step connection between the female connector and the male connector.