Jack Del Rio Head Coach of the Year (2017)

Lore & Background

Del Rio became the second head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003, following Tom Coughlin's dismissal. He introduced the mantra 'keep chopping wood' and placed a wooden stump and axe in the locker room; punter Chris Hanson injured his foot with the axe and missed the rest of the 2003 season. Del Rio led the team to playoff appearances in 2005 and 2007, but was dismissed after the 2011 season.

In Their Own Story

The cold January air bit at the sidelines of EverBank Field as the fourth quarter wound down. Del Rio stood with hands on hips, watching the clock tick against Pittsburgh. The roar of the crowd had faded into a tense hum. This was the culmination of a year-long climb back from the depths. Every snap mattered, every call weighed heavy on his shoulders. Though the final whistle ended their run, the journey to this moment defined his legacy in Florida.

Reader's Guide

Jack Del Rio served as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 to 2011. His record with the team was 68–71, with two playoff appearances. He was not the head coach in 2017; Doug Marrone was.

Did You Know?

• Del Rio's mantra 'keep chopping wood' led to punter Chris Hanson accidentally injuring his foot with the team's symbolic axe in 2003.
• Del Rio led the Jaguars to their first playoff appearance since 1999 in the 2005 season.
• He was dismissed as Jaguars head coach after the 2011 season.

Early Life and Multi-Sport Excellence

Born in Castro Valley, California, Jack Louis Del Rio Jr. emerged from a unique family background as the son of bandleader Jack Del Rio Sr., with Mexican-Spanish heritage, and an Italian-American mother. His childhood included a brief period where famed singer Peggy Lee served as his stepmother. Attending Hayward High School, Del Rio distinguished himself not merely as a football player but as a versatile three-sport athlete, earning all-state recognition in football, baseball, and basketball. His high school achievements were particularly notable; he helped secure a North Coast Section 2A Championship in football and showcased remarkable baseball prowess. As the starting catcher, he even stepped onto the mound during a critical playoff game against Mission San Jose-Fremont, striking out sixteen batters to lead his team to victory. During these formative years, he played alongside future Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, building a foundation of athletic discipline that would later define his professional trajectory.

Collegiate Dominance at USC

At USC, he formed a formidable baseball lineup alongside future Major League stars Mark McGwire and Randy Johnson while serving as a two-year starting catcher. However, his legacy was cemented on the gridiron as a four-year starter at linebacker. His junior year saw him named to the third-team All-American squad, but it was his senior season that brought consensus honors. He finished as a runner-up for the prestigious Lombardi Award and shared co-MVP honors with quarterback Tim Green in the Rose Bowl. His exceptional contributions were later immortalized when he was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

Professional Playing Career and Controversy

His playing career spanned over a decade across multiple franchises, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins. Mistakenly identifying retired player Otis Taylor as a replacement, Del Rio assaulted him, leading to legal charges that were eventually settled out of court. Despite this incident and various injuries, he remained a productive force, particularly with the Minnesota Vikings where he led the team in tackles for three consecutive years and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1995 before retiring in 1996.

Coaching Trajectory and Leadership

Transitioning to coaching in 1997 as an assistant with the Saints, Del Rio quickly climbed the ranks, joining the Baltimore Ravens where he contributed to their Super Bowl XXXV victory. His head coaching career began in 2003 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he compiled a 68–71 record and secured two playoff appearances before his dismissal in 2011. He subsequently served as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos before taking over the Oakland Raiders in 2015. Although he posted a winning record of 25–23 with the Raiders, he was fired following the 2017 season, which coincided with him receiving Head Coach of the Year honors. After a brief stint as an ESPN analyst, he returned to coaching as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders in 2020, a role he held until being dismissed midway through the 2023 season, marking another chapter in his extensive NFL journey.