Jack Del Rio Takes the Helm of Paris Musketeers in European League of Football
In a surprising yet intriguing move, former Jacksonville Jaguars and Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio has been appointed as the head coach of the Paris Musketeers, a team in the European League of Football. This announcement, made on January 17, 2025, marks a new chapter in Del Rio’s extensive coaching career.
Del Rio, who is now 61, has had a long and varied career in the NFL. Over 12 seasons as a head coach, he achieved a record of 93-94. His tenure included two postseason appearances with the Jaguars and one with the Raiders. His last role in the NFL was as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, a position he held from 2020 to 2023. Before that, he served as a coordinator for both the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos.
Del Rio’s journey to Paris follows a brief stint as a senior assistant with the Wisconsin Badgers. He joined the team in August 2024 but resigned in November after an unfortunate incident where he was arrested following a car crash in Madison, Wisconsin, and cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
The Paris Musketeers are part of the European League of Football, a league that has been gaining traction since its inaugural season in 2021. The league, which runs from May until September, features 17 teams from various countries including Austria, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland. This diverse league offers a unique platform for American football in Europe, and Del Rio’s involvement is sure to bring additional attention and expertise.
Last season, the Paris Musketeers had an impressive run, finishing with a 10-2 record before falling in the playoff semifinals. The team’s former head coach, American Marc Mattioli, has since moved on to become the defensive coordinator at Kennesaw State. With Del Rio stepping in, the Musketeers are poised to build on their recent success and aim for even greater achievements in the upcoming season.
- Jack Del Rio’s Career Highlights:
- 12 seasons as an NFL head coach with a 93-94 record.
- Postseason appearances with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Raiders.
- Defensive coordinator roles with the Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, and Denver Broncos.
- European League of Football:
- Inaugural season in 2021.
- 17 teams from across Europe.
- Season runs from May to September.
As Del Rio embarks on this new adventure in Paris, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his extensive experience in the NFL will translate to the European League of Football. Will his leadership propel the Musketeers to new heights? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the European League of Football just got a lot more interesting with Jack Del Rio in the mix.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
