Ken Norton Jr. Officially Named Raiders DC

The Oakland Raiders were in the market for a new defensive coordinator this offseason. Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was considered the favorite to land the position before deciding to return to the program, leading the Raiders to hiring Ken Norton Jr.

Continue for updates.

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Ken Norton Jr.  Named Raiders DC

Friday, Feb. 6

The Raiders officially announced Norton Jr. as the team's new defensive coordinator.

Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle first reported Norton Jr. as the hire.

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Raiders Reportedly Wanted to Hire Offensive Staff Before Defensive Staff

Monday, Feb. 2

Adam Caplan of ESPN reported that the delay in Oakland's hiring of defensive coaching staff members came down to Jack Del Rio's desire to hire the offensive staff first before moving to the other side of the ball.

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Todd Grantham Reportedly Turns Down Raiders, Will Return to Louisville

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Louisville's Todd Grantham will reportedly return to the Cardinals next season, turning down Oakland's offer to become its defensive coordinator, according to ESPN's Brett McMurphy.

The Raiders had offered Grantham a two-year deal to be their defensive coordinator, as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported earlier Wednesday.

On Monday, ESPN's Adam Caplan reported that Grantham interviewed with the Raiders at their team complex for the same position, with other candidates also still being considered.   

Dianna Marie Russini of NBC 4 in Washington reported earlier Monday that Grantham was drawing interest from the Raiders regarding their DC opening and that the two sides would be meeting. Russini added that he was a favorite to land the job.

On Friday, Jan. 23, Russini reported that the Raiders were looking at an unnamed college coach for the job.

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Mike Smith Ruled Out for Raiders

Saturday, Jan. 24

Dianna Marie Russini of NBC ruled out a potential candidate for the position, former Falcons head coach Mike Smith:

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Raiders Kick off DC Search

Monday, Jan. 19 

It seems the Oakland Raiders are rebuilding every few years. The 2015 NFL season will be no exception, as new head coach Jack Del Rio will be tasked with turning the organization around.   

One of the most important hires in that process will be finding an excellent defensive coordinator. Bill Williamson of ESPN reported on potential candidates:

Rapoport reports on another coach who is interviewing for the job:

Ultimately, Mangini would be hired by the 49ers.

When Del Rio was introduced as Oakland's new coach, he said, "I can assure you that we have a very strong group of people who are excited about coming here and joining this organization," per Michael Wagaman of ESPN.com.

Norton Jr. better be quite excited for a challenge, because the task is a tall one.