Jacksonville, FL (My Sportsbook) - The Jacksonville Jaguars reported on their Web site Thursday that they have hired Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio as their new head coach. The team is expected to introduce Del Rio at a 6 p.m. (et) press conference on Friday. Del Rio beat out Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, former Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green, University of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz and LSU coach Nick Saban for the job. The 39-year-old Del Rio, a former NFL linebacker, completed his first season with the Panthers and helped the defense improve from 31st in the league to second. He played 11 seasons with New Orleans (1985-86), Kansas City (1987-88), Dallas (1989-91) and Minnesota (1992-95), and was a Pro Bowl selection in 1994. Del Rio replaces Tom Coughlin, who was fired on December 30. Jacksonville finished 6-10 in 2002, marking its third consecutive losing season. The 56-year-old Coughlin had been the only head coach in Jaguars' history and compiled an overall mark of 72-64, which included two appearances in the AFC Championship game. |
