Jack Del Rio laughs on the sidelines during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. (Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio took the Denver Broncos from being a 24th ranked scoring defense (24.4 points per game) in 2011 to being a 4th ranked scoring defense (18.1 points per game) in 2012. Not to mention, the team finished the season 2nd in yards per game allowed, 1st in sacks, and 3rd in forced fumbles.

It’s a bit surprising then that Del Rio doesn’t have any head coaching interviews lined up this weekend unlike offensive coordinator Mike McCoy who already has four interviews between Saturday and Sunday.

“I’m just busy preparing for the next possible opponent,” Del Rio said following Thursday’s practice. “I have an eye on the playoffs. Like I said, I’m very proud to be the defensive coordinator here. It’s a great spot, it’s a great group of guys that I’m working with, and I’m happy with my job here. At some point in the future, there may be an opportunity to do other things, and if that comes, then I’ll do my best and we’ll see how it goes.”

Del Rio came to Denver after being fired by the Jacksonville Jaguars in November of 2011. During his nine-year tenure, he compiled a 68-73 record in the regular season, and went 1-2 in the playoffs.

Still fresh off of many hard seasons, it’s no wonder that Del Rio is enjoying his time in Denver. In fact, Del Rio is paying money to be with the Broncos, and disguise their defense.

“It has been rejuvenating to be here in Denver, to be part of the organization, be back in the grass teaching,” Del Rio said. “I’ve got a passion for it, [and] that’s why I’m doing it. I’m actually paying to be here, because there are no state taxes in Florida. I could be laying on a beach somewhere making more money (laughing). My brother-in-law said I was an idiot. Whoever passed up laying on a beach and getting paid for it? But I took this job because I wanted to work.”

For the first time in eight seasons, the Broncos likely won’t have to hire a new defensive coordinator.

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