Reeling Raiders fire defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.

The Raiders parted ways with defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. Wednesday, making assistant head coach John Pagano the defensive play-caller, according to a team press release.

Head Coach Jack Del Rio issued a statement along with the news announcement:

“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 of luck.”

Norton, Jr. and Del Rio have been on the sideline together since Del Rio took over the team in 2015. Through Week 11, opponents have outscored the Raiders 247-204.

Pagano worked with the Chargers in multiple roles from 2002 to 2016, calling defensive plays for the last five years he was in San Diego. Under Pagano, the Chargers ranked in the top half of the league in yardage differential each year from 2013 to 2016.