Former NFL coach Jack Del Rio, who is currently a staff member at Wisconsin, found himself in trouble with the law on November 8th. Madison police arrested Del Rio for allegedly driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The incident involved Del Rio’s car hitting a street sign and breaking a fence, with responding officers noticing signs of impairment in Del Rio.
Wisconsin responded to the situation by stating that they take matters like this seriously and are actively gathering more information. Del Rio had recently joined Wisconsin’s staff in August as a senior advisor to coach Luke Fickell. This move marked his transition to the college football realm after a long career in the NFL.
Del Rio’s NFL coaching career included notable stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders. Despite achieving a combined 93-94 record and making three playoff appearances, he never advanced past the divisional round. Del Rio, a former USC linebacker, built his coaching reputation on the defensive side of the ball.
His coaching journey began in 1998 as the linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints, leading to a defensive coordinator role with the Carolina Panthers in 2002. Del Rio also served as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos from 2012 to 2014 and the Washington Commanders from 2020 to 2023.
The news of Del Rio’s arrest serves as a reminder of the challenges and consequences that come with driving under the influence. It highlights the importance of making responsible decisions and the potential impact such actions can have on one’s career and reputation. Del Rio’s experience underscores the need for individuals, regardless of their status or profession, to prioritize safety and accountability when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving.