Jack Del Rio, a former Pro Bowl linebacker with the Minnesota Vikings and former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is out at Wisconsin following his arrest on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI).
Reports detail that Del Rio’s vehicle struck a street sign, broke a fence, and ended up in a yard early in the morning on Friday.
The incident, occurring shortly after midnight, led to his arrest when officers noted signs of impairment. Del Rio later admitted to being behind the wheel.
Nobody was injured in the incident and he was released to a responsible party. It appears, according to reports, that this is Del Rio’s first offense.
He won a Super Bowl as linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens and was named Maxwell Football Club NFL Coach of the Year in 2016 when he brought the then-Oakland Raiders to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.
Jack Del Rio Resigns
It didn’t take long after his OWI arrest for Jack Del Rio to announce he was leaving Wisconsin where he was hired just three months ago as a senior adviser to head coach Luke Fickell.
“He’s going to move forward, and he’s going to resign and move on,” Fickell announced. “It’s a tough situation. Decisions that all of us have to be able to take full responsibility for, so that’s what Jack will do, and we’ll continue to move forward.”
Del Rio issued his own statement taking ownership of his actions and agreeing that the team does not need the distractions at this time.
“I’m grateful to Coach Fickell and the University of Wisconsin for the opportunity to work with such a talented coaching and support staff and some of the best young football players in the country,” he said.
“I have decided to step away from my position with the team, so they can focus all their attention on the remainder of the season.”
Wisconsin fell to 5-4 on the CFB season after getting mowed down by Iowa last Saturday, 42-10.
Here’s Fickell’s opening statement on Del Rio. pic.twitter.com/FwfKD6VDF3
— Anderley Penwell (@anderleytv) November 11, 2024
What’s Next?
Jack Del Rio’s move to Wisconsin was anticipated as a new chapter, where he would impart his extensive football knowledge to the college level.
Instead, he will have to try and get his life back on track sitting at home. But hey, America loves a good comeback story.
Del Rio now has an opportunity for reflection, perhaps seeking help, and hopefully, a chance to return to football with a deeper understanding of his responsibilities, both on and off the field.
Actions by sports figures, especially coaches, can reverberate beyond their immediate circles, impacting fans, colleagues, and the institutions they represent.
Jack made the right move, but he’ll also deserve another chance when the time comes.
More about:College Football News
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