Raiders defensive line coach Rod Marinelli wins prestigious award

Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli received the prestigious Dr. Z Award from the Pro Football Writers of America on Monday.

Marinelli and San Francisco 49ers running backs coach Bobby Turner were both given the award, which goes to a longtime NFL assistant coach for lifetime achievement in the league. Eighteen coach have now won the award, which is named after the late, great Paul Zimmerman (better known as Dr. Z), who was a superstar football writer for Sports Illustrated.

Marinelli, 71, was also a finalist for the award in 2020. Raiders coach Jon Gruden participated in the announcement of the honor in his own special way.

Marinelli joined the Raiders as defensive line coach last year. He finished the season as the interim defensive coordinator after Paul Guenther was fired in December. Marinelli is back in his role as defensive line coach this season under coach Jon Gruden, having previously worked for him in Tampa Bay.

Marinelli, who was the head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2006-08, has been an NFL coach for 26 seasons. He is highly respected by everyone in the game and this is a well-deserved honor.

Congrats, Coach Marinelli!