Jack Del Rio, a prominent figure in the world of American football, has resigned from his position as a senior advisor to the head coach at the University of Wisconsin. This decision follows an incident early Friday morning where Del Rio was arrested near the campus on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI).
Del Rio, 61, joined the Wisconsin Badgers coaching staff in August 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a long and successful career in the NFL. He served as head coach for both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders, accumulating a 93-94 record over 12 seasons. Before transitioning to coaching, Del Rio enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a linebacker, spending time with several teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins. He even boasts a collegiate career at the prestigious University of Southern California.
His most recent NFL role was as defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, a position he held for four years before being dismissed mid-season in 2023. His arrival at Wisconsin was met with optimism, with many believing his NFL pedigree would be a valuable asset to the program.
The incident leading to Del Rio’s resignation occurred in the early hours of Friday, November 8, 2024. According to reports from Madison police, a vehicle struck a stop sign and a fence before coming to rest in a yard. Witnesses observed Del Rio walking away from the scene, and upon arrival, officers reported that he showed signs of impairment. Del Rio admitted to driving the vehicle and was subsequently arrested for first-offense OWI.
Both Del Rio and the University of Wisconsin released statements addressing the situation. Del Rio expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Wisconsin coaching staff and players, but stated his decision to step down was made to allow the team to focus on the remainder of the season. Wisconsin Athletics acknowledged the incident and emphasized the seriousness with which they treat such matters. Head Coach Luke Fickell confirmed Del Rio’s resignation during a press conference, stating that Del Rio would take full responsibility for his actions and that the team would move forward.
This incident marks a sudden and unfortunate end to Del Rio’s brief tenure at Wisconsin. While his experience and knowledge undoubtedly would have benefited the program, the circumstances surrounding his departure cast a shadow over his contributions. The Badgers, currently holding a 5-4 record and facing a challenging upcoming schedule, must now navigate the remainder of the season without Del Rio’s guidance. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of responsible decision-making. The focus now shifts to Del Rio’s legal proceedings and the impact this incident will have on his future in football.
