Although Josh McDaniels is the only head coach to have been dismissed thus far in 2023, a significant number of assistant coaches have also been terminated. Former Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio is the most recent to be terminated; the Washington Commanders dismissed their defensive coordinator on November 24.
This information was released mere hours after the Commanders’ Thanksgiving Day loss to the Dallas Cowboys, 45-10. This season, Washington’s per-game scoring average of 29.2 is the lowest in the NFL. This was the fourth season that Del Rio served as the defensive coordinator for the team, which in two of the previous three seasons ranked in the top ten in terms of points allowed.
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 24, 2023
The Commanders parted ways with pass rushers Montez Sweat and Chase Young, both of whom were acquired in the first round, prior to the trade deadline. That undoubtedly hindered Del Rio’s chances of fielding a formidable defense, and after missing the playoffs for the past two seasons, head coach Ron Rivera is likely on the hot seat. At this time, the Commanders are 4-8, so another absence from the playoffs is probable.
Given Rivera’s defensive background and the defense’s poor performance, it was only natural for Del Rio to be the fall person. Additionally, defensive backs coach Brett Viesielmeyer was dismissed, and Rivera is expected to assume greater defensive authority. Time will reveal whether or not this is sufficient to maintain his position as head coach moving forward.
Jack Del Rio is the only head coach with a winning record for the Las Vegas Raiders. Had Jonathan Gruden’s 2017 season transpired slightly differently, it is possible that Jack Del Rio would have retained his position as head coach of the Raiders. Since Jon Gruden’s first tenure with the Raiders from 1998 to 2001, he is the only full-time head coach to have a winning record. In his three seasons with the organization, he recorded a 25-23 record.
Following two successful seasons in which Del Rio led the Raiders to a 7-9 record in 2015 and a 12-4 record in 2016, it appeared that the Raiders had secured their long-term coach. In 2017, the team disintegrated and finished 6-10 despite having Super Bowl aspirations. Mark Davis, the owner, denied Del Rio an opportunity to attempt a comeback. Following his dismissal at the conclusion of the season, the coach took a few years off prior to joining the Commanders.
Another Head Coach Search Is In Order for the Las Vegas Raiders After a 2-1 start, interim head coach Antonio Pierce surely makes the case that he should have the interim tag removed. However, due to the Rooney Rule, the team will be required to conduct interviews with additional candidates prior to offering him a contract. Regardless of whether Pierce steers the Raiders to the Super Bowl this year or not, they will inevitably be required to evaluate a few candidates come the conclusion of the season.
It would be considerably simpler for owner Mark Davis if Pierce could demonstrate his viability as the head coach moving forward, but it is still too early to make a definitive determination. Although the defense is performing admirably and the players enjoy playing for him, the offense is a disarray. Might Pierce be the ideal candidate to spearhead the effort to resolve the issue? Although it is unlikely, he must demonstrate to Davis that he is capable of guiding the team through challenges following a challenging loss to the Miami Dolphins. Victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 would significantly improve his employment prospects.
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