Fansided

Grading the NFL head coaching hires

By Bryce Olin

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach John Fox on the sidelines against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach John Fox on the sidelines against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Jack Del Rio poses with helmet at press conference to announce his hiring as Oakland Raiders head coach at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Jack Del Rio poses with helmet at press conference to announce his hiring as Oakland Raiders head coach at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Oakland Raiders: Jack Del Rio

Grade: B

Quite frankly, I’m shocked it’s taken Jack Del Rio this long to get another head coaching gig in the NFL. Del Rio helped rebuild the Jacksonville Jaguars in the mid-2000s before they plummeted back to the bottom of the NFL at the end of his tenure.

Del Rio is one of the greatest defensive minds in the game today.

In Denver, Del Rio’s run defenses and pass rushes were always near the top in the NFL. In two our of his three seasons, the Broncos also finished second and third, respectively, in the league in total yards allowed.

Del Rio is a great hire for the Oakland Raiders because it’s the first time they haven’t tried to be so cutesy in their coaching search since 2007. The Raiders hired– and later fired– Dennis Allen, Lane Kiffin, Hue Jackson, and Tom Cable during that stretch. None of those coaches have the pedigree Del Rio has.

While there are brighter, young minds in football than Del Rio, he has a proven track record of coaching good defenses, and I think he has the right attitude to control a locker room filled with experienced veterans and young, talented players.

While they play in one of the toughest divisions in football, the Raiders are making the right decision by taking care of their defense and trying to build this team.

With the right leadership and a good, young quarterback, we’ve seen the turn-around from worst to first in the NFL can be a lot shorter than expected sometimes.

Next: Buffalo Bills

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