Ken Norton Jr. was known for winning and for using the goalposts as a boxing punching bag when the linebacker celebrated for the 49ers. He is the only player to play on three consecutive Super Bowl-winning teams (Dallas in 1992 and 1993 and San Francisco in 1994), and later added a fourth ring as a Seattle assistant coach.

Now his voice can be heard loud and clear over the Raiders’ practice fields as he enters his first season as their defensive coordinator. Norton coaches the way he played: energy level cranked until the knob breaks.

“You think sometimes that this is going to be the day that he doesn’t have it, but he brings it to us every single day,” Oakland middle linebacker Curtis Lofton said. “We love it. We feed off of it.”

Norton agreed to a one-on-one interview as the Raiders prepare to open a three-day minicamp starting Tuesday:

Q: What kind of defense do you and head coach Jack Del Rio want, and can you see it already taking shape?

A: Fast, mean, tough. We know what we have. We have a good group. We have good veterans, good young players and good middle players, and I think they are hungry....

Competition is everywhere for this defense, and it’s really an exciting time for this group.

Q: What did you see when you watched film of last year’s defense?

A: I saw a group that needed a little leadership, a little direction and a little taste of myself.

I really believe in my background. I bring a lot of energy and a lot of confidence. We’re going to be tough and fundamentally sound. ... I have been involved with a lot of really good football teams, and this group is right on par at this point. They are going to surprise you.

Q: The Raiders were last in the league in sacks last year and didn’t really add any pass rushers in the offseason. Why are you not concerned about that?

A: The guys are playing hard. They’re really hungry and practicing hard.

Because teams don’t have a lot of sacks doesn’t mean they don’t have the guys (who) can make a lot of sacks. It’s just about putting guys in the right place. We have guys (who) are capable. You gotta show them, direct them, put your arm around them and press the right buttons.

Q: Khalil Mack does look primed for a breakout year as a pass rusher. What are your first impressions of your second-year linebacker?

A: I didn’t see him a lot last year, but I heard a lot about him. He shows up everyday and plays hard. He has a lot of skills and a great future.

Q: You brought linebacker Malcolm Smith with you from Seattle. He was the Super Bowl MVP but hasn’t broken out yet. Is he a guy you think is just scratching the surface of his potential?

A: Malcolm Smith is a very good football player. He is the type of player ... you want on the field. The ball always finds him. He is extremely smart and really, really fast. He understands what I want on this defense.

Q: You guys didn’t bring in any veterans for the secondary and have a very young group led by DJ Hayden and TJ Carrie. No second thoughts there?

A: They’re hungry. They’re long, they’re fast, and they’re ready. This group is ready to play. This is all happening at the right time. ... DJ Hayden is fast and eager to learn. He wants to do well, and he really enjoys ball. He has the skills to be a really good player.

Q: You and Jack are both former players. What does that mean for the current players?

A: You have to ask them. But I know that they can’t tell us that they can’t do something. “Sure you can. I did it.” They can’t try to get away with much. I understand pain, fatigue. ... I understand going out late and coming in to play early in the morning. Jack and I are from the old school.

The league is easy on players now, so the short time that we have with them, they have to give it up.

Q: Is there one overlying message?

A: We’re making sure they understand it’s a privilege to be here and show your stuff every day. They have bought in well, and are playing smart, hard and with a lot of enthusiasm....

I have enjoyed coaching so much that sometimes I think I played to become a better coach.

Vic Tafur is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: vtafur@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VicTafur