Raiders' Del Rio has mixed emotions about team relocating to Las Vegas

For the many fans not sure how to feel about the Oakland Raiders officially being approved for relocation to Las Vegas, Jack Del Rio is right there with you.

The veteran head coach, an East Bay native who grew up a Raiders fan, released a statement Monday to express both sadness and some optimism in looking to the future.

Via Vic Tafur of The San Francisco Chronicle:

My emotions are mixed. While I'm sad for family, friends, and fans in the Oakland area I also recognize the tremendous opportunity going forward for our organization. That being said, my mission remains the same. To lead this team here and now. Players and coaches need to understand their defined roles. We all need to bring positive energy every day as we focus on thing that we control.

Del Rio's presence has been a key factor in the Raiders' recent turnaround, as he's now posted a 19-13 record across his first two seasons at the helm.

His leadership will be imperative if the team is to keep moving in the right direction during a potentially awkward final few seasons in Oakland and the eventual transition to Las Vegas.