MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio stepped down Monday from his role on Wisconsin’s coaching staff after he was arrested near campus for operating a vehicle while intoxicated last week.
Del Rio, the former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders, in August as a senior adviser to head coach Luke Fickell.
“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,†Del Rio said in a statement. “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.â€
Madison police said Del Rio was arrested early Friday for a first-offense OWI after a vehicle hit a stop sign and broke a fence before resting in a yard. Police said Del Rio was walking away from the area and showed signs of impairment when they arrived at 12:35 a.m.
“He’s going to move forward and he’s going to resign and move on," Fickell said. “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.â€
The 61-year-old Del Rio came to Wisconsin after spending the last four years as the Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator. He 12 games into the 2023 season.
Del Rio had a 93-94 record in a 12-year NFL head coaching career that included stints with the Jaguars (2003-11) and Raiders (2015-17). He played linebacker in the NFL from 1985-95 after a stellar college career at Southern California.
Wisconsin (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) has lost its last two games heading into Saturday's home matchup with No. 1 Oregon (10-0, 7-0, No. 1 CFP).
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