With the Super Bowl now out of the way, the Raiders are now free to pursue any coaches from the Seahawks that may interest them. Oakland has the need for at least two coaches on the defensive side of the ball, none more important than their as-now-empty defensive coordinator.
The Raiders are believed to be interested in Seattle linebacker coach Ken Norton Jr., who goes way back with Del Rio to when they both were players for the Dallas Cowboys’ defense from 1989-91 together.
I do believe Ken Norton Jr. is next up on the list for #Raiders DC. #Seahawks LB coach a little busy right now. He and Del Rio very tight
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) January 28, 2015
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Norton Jr. has never been a defensive coordinator at either the college or pro level.
He has spent over a decade learning from one of the best coaches in the business, Pete Carroll. Norton Jr. originally joined Carroll’s USC staff in2004 and he transitioned with Carroll to Seattle in 2010.
It’s not clear if Norton Jr. will receive permission to leave the Seahawks – or even if he needs to. He joined the team in 2010 and assistant contracts are typically in 2 or 3 year lengths. That could mean that he’s in the middle of contract or he may be a free agent soon.
Either way, the Seahawks would be unlikely to block him from interviewing with the Raiders in this instance. If Oakland wants him as their defensive coordinator, they are likely to be able to get him.
The Raiders have had a hard time filling their defensive coordinator position thus far. Norton Jr. is seen as the favorite for the position and his relative inexperience is not considered a huge liability because Del Rio will be heavily involved with the defensive side of the ball, his forte.
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