For a team that’s 8-1 entering its AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs tonight, the Broncos have had their share of coaching news.

Jack Del Rio, the Broncos defensive coordinator and interim head coach, interviewed for the USC head coaching position during the team’s bye week on Nov. 1, the Broncos confirmed.

USC athletic director Pat Haden had called the Broncos to seek permission to interview Del Rio, even though college administrators are not obligated to. The Broncos were impressed by Haden’s courtesy and allowed Del Rio to interview at the convenient time of the bye week.

Del Rio played his college ball at USC and was the 1985 Rose Bowl co-MVP. A day after Del Rio interviewed with his alma mater, Broncos head coach John Fox had an episode on his home golf course in Charlotte, N.C. and wound up needing heart valve replacement surgery.

Fox remains in Charlotte recovering while Del Rio will serve as interim coach for a second game tonight against the 9-0 Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won their first game under Del Rio last week in San Diego, 28-20.

The USC head job became available after Haden fired Lane Kiffin following the Trojans’ fifth game this season, a 62-41 loss at Arizona State. Assistant Ed Orgeron became the interim coach and has since led USC to a 5-1 record, including a 20-17 win against No. 10 Stanford on Saturday night.