In a surprising turn of events, former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio has been named the new head coach of the Paris Musketeers in the European League of Football. The 61-year-old Del Rio, who previously coached the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders in the NFL, is making the leap across the pond to lead one of Europe’s top American football franchises.
From the NFL to the City of Lights
Del Rio’s coaching career has taken him from the NFL to college and now to Europe. After compiling a 93-94 record over 12 seasons as an NFL head coach, including playoff appearances with both the Jags and Raiders, Del Rio served as defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders from 2020-2023.
Most recently, Del Rio had a brief stint as a senior assistant with the Wisconsin Badgers in 2024. However, his tenure there ended abruptly in November following a car crash and arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Madison, Wisconsin.
Embracing a New Challenge Abroad
Now, Del Rio is seeking a fresh start and new challenge by taking the reins of the Paris Musketeers in the European League of Football. Launched in 2021, the ELF features 17 teams spanning nine countries, providing a professional American football outlet on the continent.
The Musketeers are coming off an impressive 10-2 campaign in 2024, reaching the playoff semifinals. However, after losing head coach Marc Mattioli, who departed to become defensive coordinator at Kennesaw State, the French club was in need of an experienced leader to keep them in championship contention.
Jack Del Rio brings instant credibility and a proven track record of success at the highest levels of football. We believe his leadership and defensive acumen can take the Musketeers to the next level as we aim to bring a ELF title to Paris.
Paris Musketeers General Manager Pierre Deschamps
A Major Coup for European Football
Landing a coach of Del Rio’s caliber and experience is a massive coup for the Musketeers and the ELF as a whole. His NFL pedigree and name recognition should provide a boost to the growing league as it looks to expand its footprint and attract top talent from the US and abroad.
- Instant credibility and leadership for the Paris franchise
- Invaluable experience and knowledge from the NFL ranks
- Proven ability to build strong defenses
The ELF, which runs from May to September, has quickly become a viable summer alternative for players looking to showcase their skills and prolong their football careers. With franchises now in France, Germany, Austria, Poland, Spain, Italy and more, the league’s geographic reach and talent pool continues to expand each year.
Seeking Redemption and Renewed Success
For Del Rio, the move to Paris represents a chance at redemption both on and off the field. After a tumultuous ending to his coaching stint in Wisconsin, he will surely be motivated to reassert himself as a premier defensive mind and leader of men.
With a talented roster, rabid fanbase, and the City of Lights as a backdrop, Del Rio appears poised to write the next successful chapter in his long, fascinating football odyssey. From the NFL to NCAA to the ELF, the veteran coach continues to embrace new challenges in his unrelenting pursuit of gridiron glory.
