Jack Del Rio named Broncos interim coach

Jack Del Rio was named interim coach of the Denver Broncos on Monday, stepping in for John Fox, who will undergo heart surgery this week.

Fox fell ill while golfing in Charlotte, N.C., on Saturday and will undergo an aortic valve replacement, a surgery that had been scheduled for after the season. He is expected to be away from coaching for at least a month, team officials said.

Del Rio takes over a 7-1 team that is in second place in the AFC West behind 9-0 Kansas City. He will maintain his duties as Denver’s defensive coordinator.

Del Rio coached Jacksonville for nine seasons, from 2003-11, and had a 69-73 record with two playoff appearances.

The Broncos were ranked second in yards allowed last season, but their statistics have dropped off sharply this season. They are now ranked 24th.

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