Raiders name Broncos’ Del Rio new head coach

The Oakland Raiders named Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio as their head coach on Wednesday, sources told The Sports Xchange.

The other finalist for the job was Tony Sparano, who was the interim coach for the final 12 games of the season.

ESPN reported earlier that Del Rio interviewed Tuesday night with owner Mark Davis, general manager Reggie McKenzie and former Raiders coach and Hall of Famer John Madden.

According to The Sports Xchange, Del Rio also interviewed for several hours earlier Tuesday. Madden sat in with Davis and McKenzie, but he was not involved in the final decision.

The 51-year-old Del Rio was free to talk with any team after Denver’s 24-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in last Sunday’s divisional playoff game. He has served as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator for three years.

Del Rio, who grew up in the Bay Area, was the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 to 2011, compiling a 68-71 record while twice guiding the team to the playoffs. He also served as interim coach of the Broncos in 2013 when then-head coach John Fox had health issues.

The Broncos finished No. 3 in total defense this season. In 2012, Del Rio’s first season with the Broncos, they were No. 2 in overall defense and tied for the league lead in sacks.

Other candidates for the Raiders’ job included former New York Jets and Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and former Raiders, Broncos and Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan.