Oakland Raiders HC Jack Del Rio Impresses in Introductory Press Conference

It didn’t have all the bluster, bravado, and bold predictions of say, a Rex Ryan press conference, but incoming Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio was impressive during his own introductory press conference. Flanked by GM Reggie McKenzie and owner Mark Davis, Del Rio held court on Friday and showed the Oakland Raiders’ long suffering fan base why he is the right man for the job.

While some coaches fill their introductory pressers with promises of playoff berths, and even bringing Super Bowl trophies to town, Del Rio was a little more realistic, giving an honest and blunt assessment of the team and its culture. If there was on overriding theme to Del Rio’s remarks throughout his press conference, it was that he believes the foundation is solid, but there is a lot of work to do.

"“I know it is a competitive division. I do believe that this is a good time to be here. There are things that need to be done, but I do believe that we have a chance to be successful or I would not have put my name behind it. It’s about us. It’s about what we can do. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”"

Del Rio’s deep, intimate knowledge of the current Raiders roster was impressive. Up until just last week, he was the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, but hearing him speak about Oakland’s current players, you would think that he’d been part of the Raiders’ staff. It makes one believe that Del Rio saying he’d “always been a Raider at heart,” was more than just a platitude or throwaway line, that it was something he meant.

“It’s not one thing, there’s not a magic wand anybody can wave. It’s a process. We’re going to work hard on that starting today and moving forward.”

By displaying his knowledge of the team’s current make up, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of every player, Del Rio was putting everybody on notice that he was ready to work. Del Rio made it clear that the entire roster would be evaluated and that change was coming. It also lent credence to the words of one of his former players – and a former Raider – Kirk Morrison:

"“He’s not afraid to get in and mix it up. He’s not here to be everybody’s buddy. He’s here to win. Jack would say, ‘I don’t have to sugarcoat it, fellas. This is a production business. You produce, you’ll get compensated for your production. If you don’t, you won’t be playing, or you won’t be here.”"

Del Rio was a no-nonsense coach in Jacksonville, just as he was in Denver, and just as he’ll be in Oakland. He put some attitude and swagger into his team – both things Oakland has been in short supply of over the last decade plus. His defenses routinely ranked in the top half of the league, many of them inside the top ten.

And he guided a team saddled with quarterbacks like Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, and Blaine Gabbert to the postseason twice in his nine year run in Jacksonville. It’s not hard to imagine that had Del Rio had more talented rosters in Jacksonville, he might have attained a higher level of success, and more playoff wins.
Which of course, leads us all back to Oakland and the questionable talent in some key positions on the roster. Though he has a franchise quarterback in the making in Derek Carr, the Raiders are woefully deficient at the wide receiver spot and need a lot of help in the backfield. Del Rio has always been a run first coach in his offensive philosophy, and that doesn’t look like that’s changed. When addressing the state of the offense, Del Rio was blunt about it.

"“As an organization, we have a lot to do, but we understand where we’re going and how we’re going to get there. Part of that is making sure that a good, young talent like Derek is not asked to do too much, that he does have a great support system around him.”"

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Part of that support system will obviously involve a very physical offensive line, and workhorse running backs. Smashmouth football used to be the Raiders’ calling card, but it’s something that’s been missing entirely for some time now. Listening to Del Rio speak though, he made it clear that is something that will be returning to Oakland in 2015.

Given a softball question, and the chance to gush about Khalil Mack, who is emerging as one of the brightest young defensive stars in the league, Del Rio was less than effusive.

"“He’s an impressive young man. He was a tremendous talent coming out in the draft. He’s off to a solid start… it’s about putting in the work. There’s no shortcut to being really good. There’s no shortcut to being a great player. You have to earn it. You have to work at it.”"

It’s becoming so trite to say anymore, but Jack Del Rio won the press conference. Not in the same way as Rex Ryan may have won his, but he won it all the same. His obvious passion for the Raiders, his deep knowledge of the history and traditions of the franchise, already puts him miles ahead of any coach Oakland has hired in the last two decades.

It was evident that Del Rio believes, down to his very core, in the greatness of the Raiders, and he is going to work himself to death to bring that greatness back. It’s a dream job for him, but for Raiders fans who have suffered so long, Del Rio’s introduction to the Raider Nation showed that perhaps, he’s the dream coach they’ve been waiting for.

Next: Del Rio Not a Rock Star, But is Right for Oakland Raiders