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Raiders fire defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., John Pagano takes job

The Raiders fired defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., on Tuesday, altering their coaching staff in the midst of a disappointing season.

John Pagano will take over the duties of making the defensive calls. The Raiders hired Pagano, the former defensive coordinator of the Chargers, as assistant head coach-defense in January.

“After careful thought, I have made a difficult decision to part ways with Ken Norton, Jr. as defensive coordinator,” head coach Jack Del Rio said in a statement released by the team.

“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.