Oakland Raiders: “50/50 chance” Jack Del Rio is fired
Will the Raiders mediocrity force out their head coach?
After failing to meet many fans and experts expectations this year the Oakland Raiders could look to make a major change to their coaching staff.
NBC Sports’ Mike Florio says it’s a coin-flip whether or not the Raiders keep head coach Jack Del Rio in the midst of a 6-8 season. Del Rio signed a four-year extension prior to the 2017 season following back-to-back 12 win campaigns and a playoff berth.
Oakland had more than just playoff aspirations coming into this season under Del Rio with a healthy Derek Carr and the acquisition of hometown running back Marshawn Lynch. A four-game losing streak in the first half of the season followed by losing three of their last five games has put the Raiders on the outside of a tight AFC playoff picture.
With a road game in Philadelphia on Christmas and a short trip to Los Angeles to face the Chargers, it’s certainly not a lock Del Rio can survive a .500 season.
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In Del Rio’s defense, the Raiders have been marred by injuries with seven players on injured reserve, including their two top rookies Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu. Nearly all of their receivers have missed a game this year and the protection around Carr has been subpar without Donald Penn and Rodney Hudson for stretches of the season.
Considering the Raiders have a franchise quarterback in place and talented weapons on both side of the ball, the head coach position would be among the more popular jobs for aspiring candidates.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz would be an intriguing fit considering his success molding defenses in Buffalo and Philadelphia over the last three seasons.
Other potential candidates with a focus on defense include Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Texans DC Mike Vrabel, and Vikings DC George Edwards, all of whom have no NFL head coaching experience.