Coaching Career
Del Rio began his coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 1997 as their strength and conditioning coach. In 1999, he accepted a position with the Baltimore Ravens as the linebackers' coach. He is in part credited for the success of the Ravens' defense, particularly in the 2000 season. After the 2001 season, he was named defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers and in his first season, in 2002, he led them to the second best defense in the league.
In 2003, Del Rio became the second head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars following Tom Coughlin's dismissal. In his first season, he led the team to a 5–11 record. That year, Jacksonville finished the season with the second-ranked rush defense and sixth best overall defense, having ranked 25th and 20th in those two categories, respectively, the year prior. In 2004, the Jaguars narrowly missed the playoffs with a 9–7 record, the first winning record in five seasons. The following season, the team made the playoffs as a wild card; however, the season was ended with a 28–3 loss to the New England Patriots.
In 2007 Jacksonville cut quarterback Byron Leftwich in favor of David Garrard. The team went on to the playoffs, winning their first playoff game in years. On April 3, 2008, Del Rio's contract with the Jaguars was extended through the 2012 season.
On January 11, 2010, Del Rio was offered the head coaching job at USC, his alma mater. The next day he denied receiving an offer from USC, stating that the offer was "manufactured". Later that afternoon, he rebuffed USC officially, announcing that he would remain with the Jaguars at least through the duration of his current contract.
On November 29, 2011, Del Rio was fired as Jacksonville's head coach. He left with a regular season record of 69–73 and a 1–2 in two playoff appearances over nine years.
On January 27, 2012, Del Rio was hired as the new defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos. In week two, Del Rio was fined $25,000 for berating the replacement officials.
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