FILE - In this May 29, 2014, file photo, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio talks to reporters after players took part in the team's NFL football minicamp at the Broncos' headquarters in Englewood, Colo. Del Rio will be the first candidate to have a second interview with the Oakland Raiders for their head coaching job as the two-week search could be nearing a conclusion. A person with knowledge of the plans said Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, that Del Rio will interview with Oakland on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not releasing details on interviews. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders have told interim coach Tony Sparano that he will not be getting the full-time job, clearing the way for the team to hire Jack Del Rio.
A person with knowledge of the search said Wednesday on condition of anonymity that Sparano has been told he is no longer a candidate for the job. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not revealing any details of the search.
Sparano and Del Rio were the two finalists for the job and the Raiders are now finalizing a deal with the former Denver defensive coordinator and Jacksonville head coach to get the job.
ESPN first reported that the Raiders had decided to hire Del Rio as their coach.
After meeting with owner Mark Davis in Denver during Denver’s bye week, Del Rio had his second interview in the Bay Area on Tuesday with Davis and general manager Reggie McKenzie.
Del Rio grew up in Hayward, just a short drive from the Coliseum. He went to games as a kid and even played a high school championship game at the Coliseum. His parents are still season-ticket holders.
Del Rio has been defensive coordinator in Denver for the past three seasons, helping the Broncos win three straight AFC West titles.
Denver ranked third in total defense and tied for 16th in scoring defense this past season. The Broncos were third in total defense and 10th in scoring defense in Del Rio’s three years with the team.
Before that, he was head coach in Jacksonville for nine seasons. Del Rio had a 68-71 regular-season record with the Jaguars and made the playoffs in 2005 and 2007, winning one playoff game in his second postseason trip. He was fired with five games remaining in the 2011 season.
He has extensive NFL experience, having played 12 seasons as a linebacker and coaching with New Orleans, Baltimore and Carolina before getting the head coaching job with the Jaguars.
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