The Oakland Raiders have officially hired defensive specialists Jack Del Rio as the new head coach. The team has been struggling and the change in coaching staff is expected to make a significant difference. Since 2003, Del Rio is the ninth person in this position and since the organization’s conception, the nineteenth so he has a lot of work cut out for him.
Last September, Tony Sparano took the head coach position but only on an interim position, this after the 2014 National Football League season started with Dennis Allen being sacked following a 0-4 start. Now, Del Rio will step in to replace Sparano.
As stated by Reggie McKenzie, General Manager, Jack Del Rio brings a lot of excellent qualities to the table to include an extremely strong leadership presence. He added that Del Rio has spent time developing a strong reputation as a coach within the NFL and everyone is excited to have him onboard.
Del Rio has been a coach in the National Football League for 18 seasons. From 2003 to 2011, he served as the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, during which time he compiled a record of 68-71 that lead them to the 2005 and 2007 playoffs.
Leaving a team that has achieved great success for the Oakland Raiders will be challenging. After all, in 2014, the Raiders went 3-13 but also failed to produce one winning season or a playoff position for the last 12 seasons. Even so, owner of the Raiders Mark Davis is convinced that Del Rio will make a positive impact on the organization and help achieve the goal of becoming a championship team.
From 2012 to 2014, Del Rio was the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator. In this role, he helped the team win three consecutive AFC West titles. It is that drive and record of success that the Oakland Raiders need.
After conducting a number of interviews to fill the coaching position, Davis said he is confident that Del Rio was the right choice.
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