Jack Del Rio, the former defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders and longtime NFL player and coach, has left the NFL behind for his latest job.
Del Rio, 61, a California native and USC alumnus, is working in the NCAA ranks for the first time since attending college. He is the senior adviser to the head coach at the University of Wisconsin.
While Del Rio is known for his defensive acumen as a former linebacker and defensive coordinator, he will be helping Wisconsin's Luke Fickell on both sides of the ball. Fickell was named Wisconsin's head coach in 2022 and is entering his second season at the helm.
Judging by Wisconsin's first game on Friday, August 30, Del Rio is off to a winning start. Wisconsin defeated Western Michigan by the score of 28-14, scoring two fourth quarter touchdowns to secure the thrilling win.
Is Del Rio planning to stay in the NCAA ranks for good? It is hard to say. Like his former boss, Ron Rivera, he is stepping outside of his comfort zone in a different job. It is difficult to imagine that Del Rio would not welcome another NFL coaching opportunity at some point in the future. He has been in the NFL as a player or coach since the mid 1980s including the past four seasons as Commanders DC.