Jack Del Rio will take over head coaching duties for Broncos while John Fox has heart surgery

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2013 file photo, Denver Broncos head coach John Fox watches during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas. Fox needs heart surgery and will miss several weeks, team spokesman Patrick Smyth confirmed Saturday night, Nov. 2, 2013. The 58-year-old Fox will undergo aortic valve replacement surgery early next week at a hospital in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, file photo, Denver Broncos coach John Fox cheers on his players after a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of an NFL football game, in Denver. Fox was taken to a hospital in the Charlotte, N.C., area Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013, after feeling light-headed while playing golf during the Broncos' bye week. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey, File) (The Associated Press)

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio will be in charge of the Denver Broncos while head coach John Fox recovers from heart surgery.

Del Rio went 68-71 from 2003-11 as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars before joining Fox's staff last season.

Del Rio will still serve as Denver's defensive coordinator.

The Broncos are ranked 24th in defense this season, but they were missing star linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Champ Bailey for much of the first half of the season.

Fox needs aortic valve replacement surgery and will miss several weeks. He was taken to a hospital near his Charlotte, N.C., home Saturday when he began feeling dizzy while playing golf during the Broncos' bye week.

The Broncos (7-1) play at San Diego on Sunday.

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