History of Jack Del Rio in Timeline
Jack Louis Del Rio Jr. is a prominent figure in American football, recognized both for his coaching career and his time as a professional linebacker. His journey began at the University of Southern California, where he excelled as a linebacker before entering the NFL. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 1985, Del Rio's playing career spanned over a decade, during which he also played for four other NFL teams. He retired as a player in 1996. His NFL experience makes him a respected voice in football, particularly regarding defensive strategies and player development. Following retirement, he transitioned to coaching where he has achieved various levels of success leading several NFL teams.
April 4, 1963: Birth of Jack Del Rio
Jack Del Rio was born on April 4, 1963.
1981: Drafted by Toronto Blue Jays
Jack Del Rio was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1981 MLB Draft but chose to pursue a college scholarship instead.
1983: College Football Recognition
In 1983, Jack Del Rio was named to the third-team All-American team for college football.
1984: College Football Achievements
As a senior in 1984, Del Rio earned consensus All-American honors, was a runner-up for the Lombardi Award, and was named co-MVP of the Rose Bowl.
1985: NFL Draft and Start of Professional Career
In 1985, Jack Del Rio was drafted by the New Orleans Saints, marking the start of his professional football career.
1985: Rookie Season with New Orleans Saints
In his 1985 rookie season with the New Orleans Saints, Del Rio tied a franchise record with five fumble recoveries and earned NFL All-rookie honors.
1986: Loss of Starting Position
Del Rio lost his starting position with the Saints in 1986.
August 1987: Trade to Kansas City Chiefs
Del Rio was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in August 1987.
1988: Starting Role with Chiefs
In 1988, Del Rio started ten games at left outside linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs.
August 29, 1989: Released by Kansas City Chiefs
Jack Del Rio was released by the Kansas City Chiefs on August 29, 1989.
August 30, 1989: Claimed by Dallas Cowboys
Del Rio was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys on August 30, 1989.
1991: Starting Middle Linebacker for Cowboys
In 1991, Del Rio became the starting middle linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys.
March 4, 1992: Signs with Minnesota Vikings
Del Rio signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent on March 4, 1992.
1995: Pro Bowl Selection and Knee Injury
In 1995, Del Rio was selected to the Pro Bowl but suffered a knee injury that effectively ended his playing career.
June 2, 1996: Signs with Miami Dolphins and Subsequent Release
Del Rio signed with the Miami Dolphins on June 2, 1996, but was released shortly after.
1996: Retirement from Playing in the NFL
Jack Del Rio retired from playing professional football in the NFL in 1996.
1997: Strength and Conditioning Coach for Saints
Del Rio began his coaching career as the strength and conditioning coach for the New Orleans Saints in 1997.
1997: Start of Coaching Career
Jack Del Rio began his coaching career as an assistant with the New Orleans Saints in 1997.
1999: Joins Baltimore Ravens Coaching Staff
In 1999, Del Rio joined the Baltimore Ravens as a linebacker coach.
1999: Linebacker Coach for Ravens
In 1999, he became the linebacker coach for the Baltimore Ravens.
1999: Jaguars Reach AFC Title Game
In 1999, the Jaguars advanced to the AFC title game.
1999: Jaguars' Last Playoff Win Before 2007
The Jaguars last playoff win before 2007 was in 1999.
2000: Contribution to Ravens' Super Bowl Winning Defense
Del Rio is credited with contributing to the success of the Ravens' Super Bowl-winning defense in the 2000 season.
2001: Named Defensive Coordinator of the Carolina Panthers
After the 2001 season, Del Rio was named defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.
2002: Success with Panthers' Defense
In 2002, Del Rio led the Panthers' defense to become the second-ranked defense in the league.
2003: Becomes Head Coach of Jacksonville Jaguars
Jack Del Rio became the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003.
2003: "Keep Chopping Wood" Incident
In 2003, Del Rio introduced the "keep chopping wood" mantra, resulting in an injury to punter Chris Hanson.
2003: Becomes Head Coach of Jacksonville Jaguars
Jack Del Rio became the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003.
2004: Jaguars Achieve Winning Record
The Jaguars, under Del Rio, achieved their first winning record in five seasons in 2004.
2006: Jaguars Miss Playoffs
The Jacksonville Jaguars missed the playoffs in 2006.
2007: Jaguars Return to Playoffs and Win First Playoff Game Since 1999
The Jaguars returned to the playoffs in 2007 and won their first playoff game since 1999.
April 3, 2008: Contract Extension with Jaguars
Del Rio's contract with the Jaguars was extended through the 2012 season on April 3, 2008.
January 11, 2010: Offered USC Head Coaching Job
On January 11, 2010, Jack Del Rio was offered the head coaching position at USC, his alma mater. He initially denied receiving an offer, calling it "manufactured," but later formally declined the position, stating his commitment to the Jaguars.
November 29, 2011: Fired as Jaguars Head Coach
Jack Del Rio's tenure as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach ended on November 29, 2011, when he was fired. His nine-year record with the team was 68-71 in the regular season and 1-2 in the playoffs. He holds the NFL record for the longest head coaching tenure without a division title.
2011: Dismissal from Jaguars
In 2011, Jack Del Rio was fired from his position as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
January 27, 2012: Hired as Broncos Defensive Coordinator
On January 27, 2012, Jack Del Rio was hired by the Denver Broncos as their defensive coordinator.
2012: End of Contract with Jaguars
Del Rio's contract with the Jaguars was set to end after the 2012 season.
November 4, 2013: Named Interim Head Coach of Broncos
On November 4, 2013, Jack Del Rio became the interim head coach of the Denver Broncos due to head coach John Fox's medical leave.
January 14, 2015: Hired as Raiders Head Coach
On January 14, 2015, Jack Del Rio was appointed as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders, succeeding the fired Dennis Allen and interim coach Tony Sparano.
2015: Induction into USC Athletic Hall of Fame
Jack Del Rio was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.
2015: Head Coach of Oakland Raiders
Del Rio became the head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2015.
2016: Raiders Playoff Appearance
In 2016, Jack Del Rio led the Raiders to a 12-4 record and a playoff berth for the first time since 2002. They lost in the wild card round to the Houston Texans.
February 10, 2017: Signed Four-Year Contract Extension with Raiders
Jack Del Rio signed a four-year contract extension with the Raiders on February 10, 2017.
2017: Dismissal from Raiders
Jack Del Rio was fired from his position as head coach of the Oakland Raiders after the 2017 season.
2019: Considered for Bengals Defensive Coordinator
In 2019, Jack Del Rio was considered for the defensive coordinator role with the Cincinnati Bengals, but ultimately, head coach Zac Taylor decided against hiring him.
2019: ESPN Analyst
Jack Del Rio worked as an analyst for ESPN in 2019.
January 2, 2020: Hired as Washington Football Team Defensive Coordinator
On January 2, 2020, Jack Del Rio was hired by the Washington Football Team as their defensive coordinator under head coach Ron Rivera, switching the team's defensive scheme from a 3-4 to a 4-3.
2020: Defensive Coordinator for Washington Commanders
Del Rio took on the role of defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders in 2020.
June 2022: Controversial Comment and Fine
In June 2022, Jack Del Rio was fined $100,000 by the Washington Commanders for referring to the January 6th Capitol attack as a "dust-up" on Twitter and comparing it to the 2020 George Floyd protests. Head coach Ron Rivera stated that Del Rio's views did not reflect the team's.
November 2023: Fired by Commanders
In November 2023, Jack Del Rio was fired by the Washington Commanders following a 45-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving, with the team having allowed the most points in the NFL at that point in the season.
2023: Firing from Washington Commanders
Jack Del Rio was fired from his position as defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders during the 2023 season.