Oakland Raiders hire John Pagano as defensive assistant

John Pagano, recently fired as the Chargers' defensive coordinator, was hired as a defensive assistant coach by the Oakland Raiders.

Pagano, 49, spent the past five seasons running the San Diego defense. He will now work under Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. Del Rio and Pagano were both part of the coaching staff of the New Orleans Saints in 1997.

The Chargers ranked 17th in total defense this season, 13th against the pass, 23rd against the run.

Pagano's brother Chuck is the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and a former Raiders assistant.

John Pagano's first job was with the Saints from 1996-97. He then spent four seasons in Indianapolis before joining the Chargers. He was a defensive quality control assistant for San Diego from 2002-04, assistant linebackers coach from 2005-06, outside linebackers coach from 2007-08, then linebackers coach from 2009-11 before becoming defensive coordinator.

The Raiders finished seventh in total defense and 20th in scoring defense this season as they advanced to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.