Jack Del Rio Opens Up About His Firing: ‘Mark Davis Wanted Gruden, and That’s the Brutal Truth’

Posted December 23, 2025

In a candid interview, former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio shared his thoughts on his abrupt departure from the team, admitting that the writing was on the wall when Mark Davis, the team’s owner, had his sights set on bringing Jon Gruden back. Despite leading the Raiders to a successful 12-4 season in 2016 and finally breaking their long playoff drought, Del Rio found himself out of a job after a disappointing 6-10 finish in 2017. In an open conversation, Del Rio reflected on his time with the team and revealed the real reason behind his firing.

“I took the Raiders as far as I could, but when you’re coaching a team that goes from 12-4 to 6-10, something’s got to give,” Del Rio said. “Mark Davis wanted Gruden, and that’s the brutal truth. No hard feelings — but the Raiders will always be my team.”

It’s clear that Del Rio harbors no bitterness toward his firing, understanding that the direction of the franchise was shifting with Davis’s desire to bring back Gruden, whom he believed could take the team to the next level. Del Rio’s honesty about the situation is a rare insight into the inner workings of a coaching change, especially given the dramatic shift that occurred just after Del Rio’s successful first season in charge.

A Rollercoaster Start to His Tenure

Jack Del Rio’s time with the Raiders began with a bang. In his first season as head coach in 2015, the team showed signs of life after years of mediocrity. But it was in 2016, Del Rio’s second season, that the Raiders truly impressed. The team finished with a 12-4 record, making their first playoff appearance in 14 years. The squad, led by quarterback Derek Carr and defensive stalwart Khalil Mack, seemed to have found its footing. The Raiders’ offense was dynamic, and their defense, while not perfect, was playing with a renewed sense of purpose.

Fans were excited, and the media were optimistic about the franchise’s future. Del Rio was lauded for his leadership, and many felt that he was the coach who could finally bring the Raiders back to the promised land of playoff contention. But despite the promising season, Del Rio’s 2016 success didn’t quite translate into long-term stability.

The 2017 season, which many hoped would be a continuation of the Raiders’ upward trajectory, was marked by inconsistency. Injuries to key players, particularly Carr, and a lack of cohesion on both sides of the ball led to a disappointing 6-10 record. The once-promising playoff contender had fallen into disarray. The loss of momentum, combined with mounting frustrations, ultimately led to Del Rio’s firing after just one season of struggles following the high of 2016.

The Gruden Factor

Del Rio, however, doesn’t blame his own failings for his firing. He fully acknowledges that the NFL is a business and that decisions are often made based on the long-term vision of ownership and management. He knows that his 6-10 season wasn’t enough to keep him employed, especially when the team had just come off a 12-4 campaign. But there was one thing that seemed to overshadow the poor record — the looming presence of Jon Gruden.

As Del Rio points out, Mark Davis, the Raiders’ owner, had his eye on bringing Gruden back into the fold. Gruden, who had previously coached the Raiders before his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was the kind of high-profile coach that would energize the fanbase and provide the franchise with the type of leadership it had been missing.

“There’s no question that Mark wanted Gruden back,” Del Rio said. “He believed Gruden was the guy who could take the team to the next level. And when that’s the vision of the owner, it doesn’t matter what you did the year before. Sometimes, it’s just about the next phase for the franchise. And that was the next phase for the Raiders.”

Del Rio’s acknowledgment of the situation reflects the professionalism he maintained throughout the entire ordeal. Despite his own disappointment in being let go, he shows no bitterness toward Davis or Gruden. In fact, Del Rio respects Davis’ decision and understands that sometimes a change is necessary to get a team back on track. “It’s not personal,” Del Rio said. “It’s business. And I get it. I wasn’t the guy for the next phase, and that’s fine. But I still believe in the team, the fanbase, and what the Raiders stand for. I’ll always have love for that organization.”

Looking Back on the 2016 Success

While Del Rio may not have been the long-term answer for the Raiders, it’s impossible to ignore the success he brought to the team in 2016. The Raiders’ first playoff appearance in over a decade was a huge accomplishment, especially after the franchise had spent years in the wilderness.

That season, Del Rio was able to get the best out of his players. Derek Carr, in particular, had a breakout year, solidifying his place as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. Khalil Mack, who would go on to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, was a monster on defense. The Raiders’ offense, powered by Carr, running back Latavius Murray, and wide receiver Amari Cooper, was one of the most potent in the league.

However, as Del Rio pointed out, the 2017 season was a stark contrast. Injuries played a huge role in the Raiders’ downfall, with Carr suffering a broken leg late in the 2016 season, and the ripple effect from that injury hampered the team’s performance. The defensive line, which had been strong in 2016, became inconsistent. And despite all the talent on the roster, the Raiders couldn’t close out games. They lost crucial matchups that they were expected to win, and ultimately, Del Rio was let go.

Del Rio’s Legacy with the Raiders

Though Del Rio’s time with the Raiders was brief, it will be remembered fondly by many fans, particularly those who watched the 2016 season unfold. The Raiders were a team on the rise, and Del Rio played a significant role in their turnaround. While the 2017 season was disappointing, it should not overshadow the success of the prior year.

Del Rio’s impact on the franchise was not just on the field, but in the culture he helped build. He was a coach who believed in his players, and his leadership helped bring out the best in them. His passion for the game, his ability to motivate his players, and his commitment to the franchise’s success were qualities that endeared him to both the players and the fans.

“Jon Gruden may have taken the helm after me, but I’ll always be proud of what we accomplished in that first season,” Del Rio said. “I still believe in the Raiders, and I’ll always have love for that organization. I took them as far as I could, and I’m proud of what we did together.”

Conclusion

Jack Del Rio’s candid reflection on his time with the Raiders provides fans with a unique perspective on the decisions behind the team’s coaching changes. Although his tenure ended in disappointment, Del Rio’s leadership during the Raiders’ 2016 success should not be overshadowed by the team’s struggles in 2017. His honesty and understanding of the NFL’s business side show the kind of professionalism that has defined his coaching career. Jon Gruden may have taken the helm after Del Rio, but for Raiders Nation, Del Rio’s impact is still remembered, and he will forever have a place in the team’s history.

For many, Del Rio’s time with the Raiders will always be marked by the 12-4 season and the hope it sparked. That brief moment in time, when the team seemed to be on the verge of greatness, continues to live on in the memories of fans who will never forget the turnaround that Del Rio helped create.