After the Browns targeted him as their top choice and interviewed him for a second time, Hue Jackson, the former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator, will be named Cleveland’s next head coach, according to multiple reports.
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Jackson went 8-8 at the helm of the Raiders in 2011. The Browns interviewed Jackson on Sunday, after the Bengals lost in the wild-card round on Saturday, and again on Tuesday.
His move to Cleveland isn’t a huge surprise to fans – Jackson interviewed with at least four other teams, including the Giants and 49ers.
The Jackson hire, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, fills the vacancy created when the Browns fired head coach Mike Pettine on January 3, hours after the end of the Browns’2015 regular season.
Cleveland has the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft and will likely use it on a quarterback.
Like his time spent in Oakland, Jackson will be given the reigns to a young and developing team.
The Browns have yet to make an announcement, but a league source confirmed the deal is being finalized.
Already well respected for his work with wide receivers and running backs, Jackson earned praised for elevating Andy Dalton into the MVP discussion and getting backup AJ McCarron ready to play meaningful games in a playoff race.
Under Jackson this year, the Bengals excelled on offense, finishing seventh in points. He was the Trojan’s offensive coordinator from 1997-2000, where he recruited and worked with quarterback Carson Palmer.
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Hue Jackson was Joe Flacco’s quarterbacks coach with the Ravens in both 2008 and 2009.
