Interim Denver Broncos head coach Jack Del Rio has vowed to continue where John Fox left off with the team.

Del Rio will temporarily replace Fox in charge of the Broncos after the 58-year-old underwent successful heart surgery yesterday that ruled him out of action for an indefinite period of time.

Del Rio wished Fox a speedy recovery from the procedure and challenged the players to continue their promising start to the season, which has seen them lose just one of their opening eight matches.

"We believe we have a good football team. We're on a mission, we're on a mission to carry on, to continue what Coach Fox has going with this football team. We all want to make him proud. We all wish him a speedy recovery," Del Rio told reporters.

"We've shown [the players], if you give us something that helps us win, we'll find a spot for you. But they have to do their part, too. They've got to come to work, be a good teammate, be prepared and know their responsibilities."

Del Rio, who is usually the defensive coordinator for the Broncos, was the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars for nine seasons before being fired in 2011.