With Steve Wilks not coming to the Redskins to join soon-to-be head coach Ron Rivera is targeting former Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio as defensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Del Rio has been out of the NFL for the past two seasons after being fired by the Raiders in 2017. He was set to become the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of this season as the defensive coordinator but talks fell through.
Del Rio also served as a defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. In four combined seasons as defensive coordinator, Del Rio’s defenses ranked second or third in yards allowed in three of those seasons.
Seemingly, Del Rio hinted to a return to the sidelines this morning.
While it’s unclear why Wilks is not joining Rivera in Washington, Del Rio is considered an upgrade. Del Rio has a great track record as a defensive coordinator and will certainly rev up the Redskins fanbase with excitement of Del Rio pairing with Rivera.
