Career Timeline of Jack Del Rio: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jack Del Rio built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jack Del Rio is an American professional football coach and former NFL linebacker. He played college football at USC before being drafted into the NFL in 1985. Del Rio played for multiple teams, including the Saints, Chiefs, Cowboys, Vikings, and Dolphins, before retiring in 1996. Currently, he is the head coach of the Paris Musketeers in the European League of Football (ELF).

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1981: Started College Football Career

In 1981, Jack Del Rio began playing college football for the USC Trojans.

1981: Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays

In 1981, Jack Del Rio was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 22nd round of the MLB Draft but opted to play football and baseball at USC.

1984: College Football Career End

In 1984, Jack Del Rio finished playing college football for the USC Trojans.

1985: Drafted by the New Orleans Saints

In 1985, Jack Del Rio was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the third round of the NFL draft.

August 1987: Traded to the Kansas City Chiefs

In August 1987, Jack Del Rio was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs.

1988: Started Ten Games at Left Outside Linebacker

In 1988, Jack Del Rio started ten games at left outside linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs.

August 29, 1989: Released by Kansas City Chiefs

On August 29, 1989, Jack Del Rio was released by the Kansas City Chiefs.

August 30, 1989: Claimed by Dallas Cowboys

On August 30, 1989, Jack Del Rio was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys.

1991: Led Dallas Cowboys in Tackles

In 1991, Jack Del Rio led the Dallas Cowboys with 130 total tackles.

March 4, 1992: Signed with Minnesota Vikings

On March 4, 1992, Jack Del Rio signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent.

June 2, 1996: Signed with Miami Dolphins

On June 2, 1996, Jack Del Rio signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.

1996: Retired from the NFL

In 1996, Jack Del Rio retired from playing in the NFL.

1997: Began Coaching Career

In 1997, Jack Del Rio started his coaching career as an assistant with the New Orleans Saints.

1997: Hired by New Orleans Saints as Strength and Conditioning Coach

In 1997, Jack Del Rio was hired by the New Orleans Saints as the team's strength and conditioning coach.

1999: Joined the Baltimore Ravens

In 1999, Jack Del Rio joined the Baltimore Ravens as a linebacker coach.

1999: Became Linebacker Coach for Baltimore Ravens

In 1999, Jack Del Rio took the job as Linebacker Coach with the Baltimore Ravens.

2000: Won Super Bowl XXXV with Ravens

In 2000, Jack Del Rio was part of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl-winning team.

2001: Named Defensive Coordinator of Carolina Panthers

After the 2001 season, Jack Del Rio was named defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.

2002: Led Panthers to Second Ranked Defense

In 2002, Jack Del Rio led the Carolina Panthers to the second-ranked defense in the league by total yards.

2002: Raiders make the playoffs for the first time since 2002

In 2016, Jack Del Rio led the Raiders to a 12-4 record, with the team making the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

2003: Became Head Coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars

In 2003, Jack Del Rio became the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

2006: Jaguars cut quarterback Byron Leftwich

In 2006, the Jacksonville Jaguars cut quarterback Byron Leftwich.

April 3, 2008: Del Rio's contract with the Jaguars was extended through the 2012 season

On April 3, 2008, Del Rio's contract with the Jaguars was extended through the 2012 season.

January 11, 2010: Offered Head Coaching Job at USC

On January 11, 2010, Jack Del Rio was offered the head coaching job at USC.

November 29, 2011: Fired as Head Coach of Jacksonville Jaguars

On November 29, 2011, Jack Del Rio was fired as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

2011: Dismissed from Jaguars

In 2011, Jack Del Rio was dismissed from the Jaguars.

January 27, 2012: Hired as Defensive Coordinator of Denver Broncos

On January 27, 2012, Jack Del Rio was hired as the new defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos.

2012: Del Rio's contract with the Jaguars was extended through the 2012 season

On April 3, 2008, Del Rio's contract with the Jaguars was extended through the 2012 season.

November 4, 2013: Named Interim Head Coach for Denver Broncos

On November 4, 2013, Jack Del Rio was named interim head coach for the Denver Broncos.

January 14, 2015: Hired as Head Coach of Oakland Raiders

On January 14, 2015, Jack Del Rio was hired to become the new head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

2015: Became Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders

In 2015, Jack Del Rio became the head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

2016: Raiders make the playoffs for the first time since 2002

In 2016, Jack Del Rio led the Raiders to a 12-4 record, with the team making the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

February 10, 2017: Signed Contract Extension with Raiders

On February 10, 2017, Jack Del Rio signed a four-year contract extension with the Oakland Raiders.

2017: Fired from Raiders

In 2017, Jack Del Rio was fired from the Oakland Raiders.

2019: Considered for Bengals Defensive Coordinator

In 2019, Jack Del Rio was under consideration to become the defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals.

January 2, 2020: Hired as Washington Football Team Defensive Coordinator

On January 2, 2020, Jack Del Rio was hired by the Washington Football Team to serve as their defensive coordinator.

2020: Became Defensive Coordinator of the Washington Commanders

In 2020, Jack Del Rio became the defensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders.

November 2023: Fired by Commanders

In November 2023, Jack Del Rio was fired by the Washington Commanders.

2023: Dismissed from Washington Commanders

In 2023, Jack Del Rio was dismissed from the Washington Commanders.

August 29, 2024: Hired as Senior Advisor for Wisconsin Badgers

On August 29, 2024, Jack Del Rio was hired by the Wisconsin Badgers as a senior advisor.

November 11, 2024: Resigned from Wisconsin Badgers

On November 11, 2024, Jack Del Rio resigned from the Wisconsin Badgers after being arrested for impaired driving.

January 27, 2025: Hired as Head Coach of Paris Musketeers

On January 27, 2025, Jack Del Rio was hired as the head coach and defensive coordinator for the Paris Musketeers of the European League of Football (ELF).