Before Jack Del Rio was a renowned NFL defensive coordinator he starred in college as an All-American linebacker at the University of Southern California. His coaching resume is impeccable. Given he is a Trojans alum, it’s only natural his name would surface in some matter for the USC’s head coach vacancy.
“I’m going to channel Mike Tomlin right now,” Del Reio said per NBC Sports’ JP Finlay. “Did he shut it down or what? I feel really good about being the defensive coordinator for Washington.”
Del Rio was referencing Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin’s name surfaced as a potential candidate through USC alum and Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Carson Palmer. However, Tomlin emphatically shut down any thoughts of him leaving the Steelers for USC.
USC fired head coach Clay Helton on Sept. 13 shortly following a 42-28 loss to Stanford. Donte Williams took over as the interim coach for the reminder of the season. USC is currently 3-4 this season.
Given the program’s storied history and prime location of Los Angeles, USC is considered a premiere coaching job.
Jack Del Rio was the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2011. After three seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, he served as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders from 2015-2017.
He has transformed just about each team he’s coached defense into a top-5 unit. He joined Ron Rivera’s coaching staff in Washington last season. The Washington Football Team’s defense ranked second in yards allowed and fourth in points allowed.
Although his defense has taken a step back this year, Del Rio is a respectable coac with success.
Despite the success and USC ties, it doesn’t sound like Del Rio has much if not any interest in going to the college ranks to coach.
