A few weeks after the departure of Marc Mattioli, the Paris Musketeers made the big move of the offseason. The European League of Football (ELF) club today announces the signing of Jack Del Rio as head coach!
Having walked the NFL fields for nearly 40 years, Del Rio arrives with high-level experience never before seen in France. His CV speaks for itself, since after eleven years as a linebacker in the NFL, he led the linebackers of the New Orleans Saints then the Baltimore Ravens (where he won a Super Bowl with Ray Lewis under his command) before becoming defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers in 2002. Building on these successes, the Californian then became the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars for 9 seasons, during which he achieved 68 successes in the regular season. Returned to his first love in 2012 with a position as defensive coordinator in Denver, before flying to Oakland in 2015 to become the head coach there for three more seasons. His NFL adventure finally ends in 2023, after three years as Washington's defensive coordinator.
Following a last experience with Wisconsin, the coach was looking for a new challenge. A challenge that John McKeon, CEO of the Musketeers, is happy to offer him.
“We are delighted to welcome Coach Del Rio to Paris. His demand for excellence and his passion for the game fit perfectly in continuation of the culture established by our first coach, Marc Mattioli. We We look forward to watching Coach Del Rio lead our team and contribute to the history of the Musketeers. »
Jack Del Rio, the missing link to aim higher?
Two years after its creation, the only French team present in ELF is coming off its best year. Second in the Western Conference, the Parisians defeated the Munich Ravens in the Wild Card to reach the semi-finals. A stadium where they unfortunately failed, defeated by the favorites Vienna Vikings in a match rich in points (31-47). Despite the departure of Marc Mattioli, the Musketeers therefore managed to strengthen themselves. They will be only the second ELF team to have a former NFL coach. And the person concerned is eager to do battle.
“I am excited to work with this team. OUR objective is clear: to teach, develop and compete at the highest level. »
See you on May 17 in Paris for the launch of the new Musketeers season. On this occasion, the Ile-de-France residents will host the Rhein Fire, double reigning champions.
