| Nationality |  United States |
|---|---|
| Past Teams | Paris Musketeers |
| Age | 63 |
A former All-American linebacker and a veteran of 12 NFL seasons as a player, Jack Del Rio is a globally recognized figure in American football. His transition to coaching saw him quickly ascend the ranks, carving out a distinguished career that included multiple head coaching and defensive coordinator roles in the NFL. Bringing his passion, championship pedigree, and focus on player development to the Paris Musketeers in the European League of Football (ELF), Del Rio’s arrival is a landmark event for the French franchise and the league as a whole. His mission is to build upon the team’s recent success and establish a long-term pipeline for European talent, all while competing for the ELF Championship.
Previous Stations
- Paris Musketeers (ELF) – Head Coach (2025–present)
- Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA) – Senior Advisor to Head Coach (2024)
- Washington Commanders (NFL) – Defensive Coordinator (2020–2023)
- Oakland Raiders (NFL) – Head Coach (2015–2017)
- Denver Broncos (NFL) – Defensive Coordinator (2012–2014)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) – Head Coach (2003–2011)
- Carolina Panthers (NFL) – Defensive Coordinator (2002)
- Baltimore Ravens (NFL) – Linebackers Coach (1999–2001)
- New Orleans Saints (NFL) – Linebackers Coach (1998)
- New Orleans Saints (NFL) – Assistant Strength Coach (1997)
- Miami Dolphins (NFL) – Linebacker (Offseason/Practice Squad) (1996)
- Minnesota Vikings (NFL) – Linebacker (1992–1995)
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL) – Linebacker (1989–1991)
- Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) – Linebacker (1987–1988)
- New Orleans Saints (NFL) – Linebacker (1985–1986)
- University of Southern California (USC) (NCAA) – College Player (1981–1984)
- Hayward High School (Hayward, California) – High School Athlete
Achievements
Team Achievements
- Won Super Bowl XXXV as Linebackers Coach with the Baltimore Ravens (2000 season).
- Led the Oakland Raiders to the NFL playoffs (2016).
- Led the Jacksonville Jaguars to two NFL playoff appearances (2005, 2007), including a Divisional Round appearance (2007).
- Helped the Minnesota Vikings reach the NFL playoffs multiple times as a player (1992, 1994).
- Won a North Coast Section 2A Championship with Hayward High School.
Personal Achievements
- Recipient of the Greasy Neale Award (2016).
- Inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame (2015).
- Selected to the NFL Pro Bowl (1994).
- Named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team (1985).
- Winner of the Pop Warner Trophy (1984).
- Consensus All-American Selection (1984).
- Third-team All-American Selection (1983).
- Selected First-team All-Pac-10 twice (1982, 1983).
Credits
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Del_Rio
- https://www.parismusketeers.com/coach-details/jack-del-rio
- https://europeanleague.football/news/blockbuster-move-paris-musketeers-sign-nfl-hc-jack-del-rio-2858
- https://www.parismusketeers.com/blog-posts/paris-musketeers-announce-nfl-legend-jack-del-rio-as-head-coach
- https://europeanleague.football/news/jack-del-rio-explains-long-term-plan-for-the-musketeers-2904
- https://www.si.com/nfl/former-nfl-coach-jack-del-rio-lead-european-league-of-football-paris-musketeers
Selected Statistics
- He recorded over 1,000 tackles during his 12-season playing career in the NFL.
- Del Rio registered 13.0 sacks throughout his NFL career.
- He finished his career with 13 interceptions as a linebacker.
- He tied a New Orleans Saints franchise record with 5 fumble recoveries in his rookie season (1985).
- He led the Minnesota Vikings in tackles for three consecutive years (1992-1994).
Other
- His full name is Jack Louis Del Rio Jr., and he was born in Castro Valley, California.
- He received his start in coaching from Hall of Fame Coach Mike Ditka with the New Orleans Saints.
- Del Rio credits Hall of Fame Coach Tony Dungy as his mentor who encouraged him to pursue coaching as a career.
- He earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.
- His father, Jack Del Rio Sr., was a big bandleader, and his mother is Italian-American. Famed singer Peggy Lee was briefly his stepmother.
- Quote on coaching the Paris Musketeers: “I’m looking forward to working with this group of men. We will teach, develop, and compete.”
- Quote on the appeal of coaching in Europe: He has expressed that he and his wife are “enjoying the lifestyle” in Paris and finds the players’ dedication “unbelievable” and “very refreshing,” noting that many “work all day and come practice at night.”
- Quote on linebackers: “I think there’s an instinctual element, because you’re basically a hunter. Or a modern-day gladiator… linebackers are the heartbeat of the team.”
