Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/ AFP Photo
When the Cleveland Browns fired Mike Pettine, it was unclear who would take his position or more importantly who would actually want to take his position. Cleveland has a history of repeatedly firing head coaches for the fact that they can never seem to be happy with the one they hired. It looks like owners and management have finally found who they were looking for this time.
Adam Schefter broke the news via his Twitter today.
Browns now finalizing deal to hire Bengals OC Hue Jackson as their next HC, per sources. Close to being wrapped up, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2016
Schefter also mentioned that Jackson would be introduced later today. Along with the Browns, both the Giants and the 49ers have expressed interest in Jackson.
Jackson got his start with the Washington Redskins as a running backs coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator. Jackson would go on to work for the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders and most recently the Cincinnati Bengals. With Jackson as their offensive coordinator, the Bengals had the seventh highest scoring offense this season and once again made it to the playoffs. Jackson was also able to help young QB, AJ McCarron adjust when quarterback Andy Dalton got injured, which is something he will most likely have to do in Cleveland.
According to multiple reports, Jackson is planning on cutting troubled quarterback Johnny Manziel. ESPN has reported that meetings between the two sides resulted in Jackson saying that he would cut Manziel upon his hiring. It looks like the Johnny Football era will soon be over in Cleveland and could be on the move elsewhere. Hiring Jackson seems like the right move for this franchise. Hopefully, Jackson will be able to help bring some respect back to the Browns organization.
