Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio was informed after the team’s Week 17 loss to the Chargers that he would not be retained, the coach told reporters including the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Michael Gehlken (Twitter link). 
In his postgame press conference, the coach told reporters he was notified “two minutes ago” by Raiders owner Mark Davis of his decision. Del Rio said, “He told me he loved me and appreciated all that I did to get this program going to right direction, but that he felt he needed a change.” Del Rio expressed gratitude for the opportunity Davis gave him when he hired him in 2015.
Following a breakout 2016 campaign that saw the Raiders go 12-4, Oakland entered 2017 as potential Super Bowl contenders with a loaded offense and a solid defense. Things didn’t go according to plan and the Raiders scuffled to a 6-10 mark.
The firing comes on the heels of the Raiders’ reported pursuit of the team’s former head coach Jon Gruden. Reports claim the Raiders could offer the ESPN analyst an ownership stake in the team to take over as head coach.
In his three seasons as head coach, Del Rio amassed a 25-23 mark and advanced to the postseason in 2016 for the first time since the team lost the Super Bowl in 2002.
With young stars Derek Carr and Amari Cooper on offense and a game-changing talent on defense in Khalil Mack, the Raiders head-coaching job is arguably the top gig that will become available this offseason.
Yayayayay
Hopefully he returns to Denver as d coordinator!
Im surprised he wasnt fired with Norton
I want McDaniels as HC and Fangio/Capers as DC and to go back to the 3-4 defense so Khalil can rack up 30 sacks a season
I actually like this guy but I do understand them firing. With all that talent they shouldn’t be 6-10 and not making the playoffs. Here comes Gruden! I’m not even a Raiders fan but I am actually really excited to see if they can get Gruden and if they do how fast they can turn things around with Gruden. I’d put money on it that they make the playoffs and play more like the 12-4 team we saw last season if they get either Gruden or another good HC.
Gruden ain’t comin
no?
Hate to break it to you but it’s a done deal, they just gotta take the funk and satisfy the Rooney Rule first.
Why is he not coming?
Well genius Gruden just confirmed he is a candidate and wants the job!
@afsooner
Boy do you have egg on your face! He “aint coming” huh? Lol. 10 year deal for $100 million. He came pal.
Thanks for the scoop!
You can take the Raiders out of Oakland but you can’t take the Raiders out of the Raiders.
This is the best comment I’ve ever read.