Coach Jack Del Rio

Broncos Hire Former Jaguars Coach Jack Del Rio to Run Their Defense

The Broncos lost their defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen just three days ago, as he became the new head coach of the rival Oakland Raiders. Friday night, they moved swiftly to find his replacement, as the team has hired former Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio to fill the void.

The move will put Del Rio back with Broncos coach John Fox. The Ex-Jags coach was Fox’s first defensive coordinator in Carolina in 2002 before leaving after one year to coach the Jacksonville Jaguars, who fired him in November.

Del Rio is the Broncos’ seventh defensive coordinator in seven seasons. Other men who have filled the Mile High musical chair in the last six seasons are Larry Coyer (2006), Jim Bates (2007), Bob Slowik (2008), Mike Nolan (2009) and Don Martindale (2010). Allen was the only one who left for a head coaching job.

“We are thrilled to be able to add such a well-respected defensive coach to our staff,” Fox said in a statement issued through the team’s Twitter account.

“He was an integral part of our turnaround on defense during my first year with the Panthers in 2002,” Fox added. “His defenses with the Jaguars have ranked among the NFL’s best, and we are excited he’s a Bronco.”

The Broncos also hired Luke Richesson as their head strength and conditioning coach. Richesson spent the last three seasons with the Jaguars.