The Denver Broncos will move forward with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio taking over as interim head coach while John Fox recovers from heart surgery.
John Elway: Jack Del Rio was ‘easy choice’ as interim coach
Del Rio has previous head coaching experience as he led the Jacksonville Jaguars for nine seasons prior to joining the Broncos.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
John Elway called Del Rio an “easy choice” for the team and sounded comfortable with the decision to allow the defensive-minded coach to take over the reigns. Via Dan Hanzus of NFL.com:
“There were a couple options on our staff, but I think that Jack was the one,” Elway said. “Discussing with John, we both felt that Jack was the guy who could take the reins over and continue to take us on the path we were on.”
Del Rio, 50, previously served as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars for eight full seasons before he was fired after Week 12 of his ninth season with the team in 2011. With the Jaguars, he compiled a 73-63 record, including two trips to the playoffs and one postseason victory.
With the Broncos, Del Rio told reporters that he will maintain his role as the team’s defensive play caller:
“We’re on a mission to carry on and continue the things that coach Fox has instilled and started with this football team,” Del Rio said. “This is coach Fox’s team; I’m merely the person that’s able to keep it running right now while he’s healing. And I’m very honored to be in this position.”
The Broncos will follow their Week 9 bye with a road game against the San Diego Chargers in Week 10 before a much anticipated battle for the AFC West lead against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 11.
More from SB Nation NFL
See More:
