Raiders Fire DC Ken Norton, John Pagano Moved To Spot
Nov 22, 2017, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:21 am
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Oakland Raiders organization has parted ways with defensive coordinator Ken Norton Tuesday afternoon, moving assistant head coach John Pagano to the spot.
Josina Anderson of ESPN tweeted the news.
Breaking: Source: The #Raiders are relieving Ken Norton of his defensive coordinator duties. John Pagano will take over.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 21, 2017
Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio released a statement about Norton’s firing, via the team’s official website:
“After careful thought, I have made a difficult decision to part ways with Ken Norton, Jr. as defensive coordinator. I have the utmost respect for Ken as a person and as a coach, but I feel that moving John Pagano into the play-calling role will best utilize his wealth of experience. I appreciate Ken’s passion and commitment to the Raiders since coming aboard and wish him the best going forward.”
The Raiders are coming off a devastating 33-8 blowout against the Patriots in Mexico City.
Thus far into the season, the Raiders are 4-6 and hold a third place spot in the AFC West. The defense ranks 21st in points allowed per game (24.7) and 26th in yards allowed per game (367.0).