Jack Del Rio was named the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos. (Greg Bartram-US PRESSWIRE)

Denver Broncos fans can go to sleep encouraged Friday night knowing that their defense is likely in good hands.  Jack Del Rio has been named the team’s defensive coordinator; the seventh in seven years.

Del Rio was the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers in 2002 before being named the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2011.  The former Pro Bowl linebacker has been at the helm of some underrated and impressive defenses while a coordinator and head coach.  Here’s a quick look at what defenses have accomplished under his tenure:

2002 Carolina Panthers:  2nd in NFL in total defense, 5th in points per game (18.9)

What stands out most about his short stint as the Panthers’ coordinator, was that he inherited a defense that was last in the NFL in total defense and 28th in points per game (25.6) in 2001.  That kind of improvement would be a welcome sign to a Broncos’ defense that made big strides this year.

As a head coach, Del Rio’s defenses were mostly strong units.  Here’s a breakdown by year:
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Dennis Allen engineered the Broncos' defensive turnaround in 2011. (Photo by Genievieve Ross, AP).

We spoke too soon.

The division rival Oakland Raiders have officially hired away former Broncos’ defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for their head coaching vacancy on Tuesday. Allen was rumored to be a frontrunner to replace departed coach Hue Jackson after returning to Oakland for multiple interviews.

The move means that the Broncos will, for the seventh year in a row, hire a new defensive coordinator to start the 2012 season.

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