Jack Del Rio Named Head Coach of Paris Musketeers in European League of Football
Former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio has been appointed as the head coach of the Paris Musketeers in the European League of Football (ELF), the team announced on Friday. Del Rio, 61, brings over a decade of NFL head coaching experience, including stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-2011) and the Oakland Raiders (2015-2017). During his 12 seasons as a head coach, he posted a 93-94 record and led his teams to the playoffs three times.
A New Era for the Musketeers
The Musketeers, founded in 2022, have quickly established themselves as a competitive franchise, finishing 10-2 in the regular season and reaching the semifinals in 2024 under their inaugural head coach, Marc Mattioli. Del Rio’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Paris-based team, which is eager to build on its success.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Coach Del Rio to Paris,” said Musketeers CEO John McKeon. “His commitment to excellence and passion for teaching the game will build upon the tone and culture set by our first coach, Marc Mattioli. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the Musketeers family and continue building our winning tradition.”
Del Rio’s Recent Experience
After serving as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders from 2020 to 2023, Del Rio joined the University of Wisconsin as a senior adviser to head coach Luke Fickell in 2024. However, he stepped down from that position in November following a car accident in which he was cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Despite this setback, Del Rio is ready to take on his new role. “I’m looking forward to working with this group of men,” he said. “We will teach, develop, and compete.”
Musketeers’ Journey and Upcoming Season
The Musketeers have seen impressive progress since their inception, with a 16-8 overall record under Mattioli, who recently left to become the defensive coordinator at Kennesaw State. The team is now looking to Del Rio’s leadership to guide them to further success.
The 2025 ELF season kicks off on May 17, with Paris facing a tough opener against the defending champion Rhein Fire. With Del Rio at the helm, the Musketeers aim to solidify their reputation as a top contender in the league.
