After earlier speculations, Jack Del Rio has been officially appointed as the new head coach for the Oakland Raiders. Del Rio is the former defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and will now be tasked to help the Raiders get back into the NFL playoff picture. He signed a four-year pact with the Broncos, ending the hopes of interim head coach Tony Saparano to land the head coaching position.
Del Rio was immediately contacted by the Raiders after the Broncos bowed to the Colts last Sunday. While the task may seem daunting, such is nothing new for Del Rio.
Del Rio will now have a free hand in what many believe would revolve around quarterback Derek Carr and Khalil Mack. Aside from the two, Del Rio is expected to evaluate the current roster of the Raiders as he figures out how to retool a ballclub and get back them back on the winning track.
Aside from the player composition, Del Rio's choice on who to fill the offensive and defensive end is also something to watch. Rumors going around that Del Rio may be looking at ousted coaches to man the spots.
Marc Trestman is rumored to be at the top of the list for Del Rio's choice of offensive coordinator while Mike Smith is a favorite to get the defensive coordinator post.
Expectations are high on Del Rio. A head coach for nine seasons (Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2011), Del Rio has a 68-71 record that includes two playoff appearances.
Del Rio is expected to once again emphasize on defense and a running game, something he did with the Jaguars. He is believed to be someone who is tough and compromising, traits which make him a good fit to the Raiders' aspirations.
