The Jacksonville Jaguars signed head coach Jack Del Rio to a contract extension, the club announced today. Financial terms of the five-year deal were not disclosed.
"Clearly when I reflect back on the last five years, great things have happened," Jaguars Chairman and CEO Wayne Weaver said. "Under Jack's leadership, this franchise has continued to really make great progress. If you look from 2004 through 2007, Jack has led this franchise to the sixth-best record in the National Football League and that's a great accomplishment.
"But the thing I think I am most excited about is what Jack and his staff have done in terms of fostering an environment that has created an attitude with our players that they really have an expectation to win and they believe that they can compete at the very highest level. I think what it does, it creates a stability and a continuity that moves us closer to my commitment to this community and Jack's commitment to bringing a championship to Jacksonville. Obviously I'm excited that Jack wants to lead this team for the next five years and I think today's announcement will energize our fans and really reinforce our commitment to bringing a championship to Jacksonville."
Del Rio has compiled a 45-35 record in five seasons as the Jaguars' head coach. There are 15 head coaches currently in the NFL that have coached five or more seasons and Del Rio's record in his first five seasons is tied for the fifth-best mark. In addition, Del Rio is entering his sixth season at the helm which is tied for the ninth-longest tenure among active head coaches.
"I want to thank Mr. Weaver for six years ago having the foresight and providing me with the opportunity to be the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars," Del Rio said. "I truly believe that it's a privilege and an honor to be associated with the NFL and to be the head coach of a football team here in Jacksonville and I look forward to building on what we have begun. I really do feel that there is something very special taking place here in Jacksonville right now. Second, I must say that any extension of my time here in Jacksonville obviously includes that of my family. I asked Linda to join me here today just to acknowledge all that my family has committed and will continue to commit to this community and just basically to say 'thank you' to my wife and to my kids for the support they provide.
"And then lastly I'd like to thank all the effort that has been put forth by players and coaches and the support staff here in this building. I think I get tremendous support. Wayne does a great job of providing me the support that I need in pursuit of this world championship."
The Jaguars rank sixth in the NFL since 2004 with a 40-24 mark and have posted four consecutive non-losing seasons. The Jaguars have advanced to the postseason twice in the last three seasons and are coming off their first postseason win since the 1999 season. The Jaguars finished the 2007 regular season with an 11-5 mark, tied for the fifth-best record in the NFL. They became the first team in NFL history to win at Pittsburgh twice in the same season as they picked up a 29-22 regular season win and earned a 31-29 win in the AFC Wild Card Game.
The Jaguars defense has thrived under the guidance of Del Rio as the unit ranked fourth in the NFL over the past five seasons in yards allowed (300.1), fourth in points allowed (18.2), fifth in opponents rushing yards (99.5), sixth in opponents passer rating (76.9) and eighth in interceptions (90). During the same span, the offense ranked fourth in rushing yards (135.2) and second in fewest turnovers (114).
Del Rio is entering his 23rd season in the NFL, his 12th as a coach. Del Rio spent 11 years as a NFL linebacker, the longest playing tenure in the NFL among active head coaches. He previously coached in New Orleans (1997-98), Baltimore (1999-2001), and Carolina (2002).
"Mr. Weaver and the Jaguars organization have been very supportive of Jack and his strong leadership and coaching abilities," said Phil de Picciotto, Octagon's President of Athletes & Personalities. "The Del Rio family is very proud and excited to be a part of the Jaguars and the Jacksonville community."
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
• Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio ranks fourth in the NFL among active head coaches with a 40-24 record in the last four seasons (2004-07) among active head coaches.
• The Jaguars rank tied for seventh in NFL road games from 2004-07 with a 18-14 road record. In addition, the Jaguars rank tied for fourth with a 18-6 home mark since 2005.
• The Jaguars are one of 10 teams to advance to the playoffs twice in the last three seasons, joining New England, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Dallas and the New York Giants.
• The Jaguars picked up their first road playoff win in the 2007 season since Jan. 4, 1997 at Denver.
• Three starters were among 12 players that finished the 2007 season on injured reserve. The Jaguars were forced to place 15 players on injured reserve in 2006.
• The Jaguars own a 14-6 mark against the NFC under head coach Jack Del Rio since 2003 with a 10-0 mark at home.
