Jack Del Rio is expected to be named the Raiders next head coach, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
Del Rio spent nine season in Jacksonville from 2003 to 201. His 68-71 record with the Jaguars is respectable considering Peyton Manning presided over the division at the time. Nevertheless, Jacksonville did find the playoffs twice under Del Rio – with Byron Leftwich and David Garrard at quarterback. Defense and a strong running game were the trademarks of Del Rio’s teams in Jacksonville. Denver’s defense also improved during his three-year stint as coordinator.
As many have mentioned, coordinators will be key to Del Rio’s success this time around. After firing 19 coaches in nine seasons with the Jaguars, some assistants may have reservations about joining him in Oakland. That said, Del Rio is respected around the league and should have even more options now that Denver has cut ties with its coaching staff.