Raiders fire defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.

The Oakland Raiders are following in their AFC West's rival footsteps by making a staff shakeup. 

One day after the Denver Broncos fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, the Raiders parted ways with defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., the team announced Tuesday.

John Pagano will take over Norton's duties at the position.

“After careful thought, I have made a difficult decision to part ways with Ken Norton, Jr. as defensive coordinator,” coach Jack Del Rio said in a statement. “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.”

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The Raiders (4-6) rank 26th in total defense with 367 yards allowed per game, but the unit has struggled against the pass in particular.

Oakland has yet to record an interception this season, becoming the first team to fail to record one through its first nine games. 

Despite the presence of reigning defensive player of the year Khalil Mack, the Raiders are tied with the New York Giants for last in sacks (14). The defense is also allowing an NFL-worst 72.3 completion percentage to opposing passers.

The Raiders face the Broncos, who are expected to make a quarterback change with Paxton Lynch at starter, on Sunday.

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