The Oakland Raiders have hired Jack Del Rio as their new head coach, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Del Rio has signed a four-year contract. The former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator was reportedly the finalist for the job along with interim head coach Tony Sparano.
Jack Del Rio officially named Oakland Raiders head coach
After leading Denver to a top-five defense in 2014, the former Jaguars head coach will take over in Oakland.
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Del Rio, who spent nine seasons as the head coach in Jacksonville before taking over the defense in Denver, became available for hire when John Elway cleaned house of the entire coaching staff following the Broncos' surprise loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional round on Sunday. While Del Rio's defense struggled to get pressure on Andrew Luck and gave up 364 yards in the 24-13 loss, the unit was one of the best in the league for the majority of the season. Bolstered by a slew of major free agent upgrades, Del Rio's bunch finished third in overall yards allowed, second against the run, ninth in sacks and seventh in interceptions.
NFL coaching rumors
The Raiders first interviewed Del Rio during the Broncos’ first-round bye, and he was reportedly the favorite of team owner Mark Davis. Del Rio had a second interview with the team Tuesday. His hiring comes at the expense of interim head coach Tony Sparano, who had been in the running to take over permanently and had the backing of general manager Reggie McKenzie. Sparano went 3-9 after the midseason firing of Dennis Allen, but showed promise by winning three of the final six games.
Sparano had an offensive background, though, and it would appear that Oakland preferred a defensive mind. The Raiders ranked dead last in points allowed in 2014, but have the tools for a solid foundation. Young players like linebacker Khalil Mack, defensive tackle Justin Ellis and cornerback T.J. Carrie could end up being long-term starters.
Del Rio became the second head coach of the Jaguars in 2003 after the firing of Tom Coughlin, going 68-71 with two trips to the playoffs in nine years. His best finish was an appearance in the AFC Divisional round in 2007, which he lost to the New England Patriots.
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