Oakland Raiders Update: Expected to Sign Jack Del Rio as Head Coach

The Oakland Raiders are expected to sign Jack Del Rio as their new head coach.

Sources reported that Del Rio met with owner Mark Davis, general manager Reggie McKenzie and other members of the organization during his second interview on Tuesday. Del Rio did not visit team facilities. Although the two parties did not reach a deal, sources with close knowledge stated, according to NFL.com, that the Raiders have decided to go with Del Rio.

Del Rio was the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars for nine years before the Denver Broncos hired him as their defensive coordinator. With the Jaguars, he went 68-71 with two playoff appearances. Del Rio became available when Broncos general manager John Elway decided to change his entire coaching staff after the lost against the Indianapolis Colts. Although the Broncos' defense was considered one of the best in the league, the defense failed to stop Andrew Luck in the 24-13 loss.

The Raiders have not officially fired interim head coach Tony Sparano even though they have started the interviewing process for coaching candidates. Sparano is rumored to be up for the job as well. Sparano went 3-9 after coach Dennis Allen was fired midseason.

According to Steve Corkran of the Bay Area News Group, if the Raiders hire Del Rio, the coach would most hire former Falcons coach Mike Smith as his defensive coordinator.

Teams that are still looking to hire a head coach include the Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons and the Chicago Bears.