Raiders hire Ken Norton Jr. as defensive coordinator

The Oakland Raiders have filled their vacancy at defensive coordinator, officially hiring Ken Norton Jr. to take over the position, the team announced Friday.

Norton joins the Raiders after spending the past five seasons as the Seattle Seahawks' linebackers coach, where he oversaw the development of several standout players, including Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright.

Though new head coach Jack Del Rio's search for a defensive coordinator took longer than expected, landing a respected assistant from the staff of the NFL's top-ranked defense is a significant move for the Raiders going forward.

Norton's coordinator role in Oakland will be his first at any level of football, but the years of experience with the Seahawks and the presence of a long-time defensive coach in Del Rio should help his transition.