Hue

Jackson

Fowler specifically reports Jackson was interviewed for an “offensive staff position,” so it’s unclear if that means offensive coordinator. The Raiders hired Kliff Kingsbury for that job on Thursday evening. Fowler points out Jackson’s long history with new Raiders assistant head coach Marvin Lewis, who was also hired by Vegas on Thursday. Jackson obviously became a punchline in Cleveland, but he would be another highly-experienced assistant for first time head coach Pierce.

Jackson tweeted “Trust me it was a good number!” in response to a tweet suggesting he was not paid $100,000 per loss, as former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores alleges he was offered by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. Executive director of Jackson’s foundation, Kimberly Diemert followed up with a tweet claiming that they have records that Jackson and Browns executives--including current general manager Andrew Berry--were paid to tank in 2016 and 2017. It’s possible that Jackson plans to sign on to Flores’ class action suit against the NFL. In either case, this story is far from over.

Jackson’s 3-36-1 record as Cleveland’s head coach overshadowed his unbridled success as an offensive coordinator for the 12-4 Bengals in 2015. There are more progressive hires available, but Jackson has proven to be a far better coordinator than every-day decision-maker and weekly planner for an entire organization. The Steelers are coincidently the only team in the AFC North Jackson has yet to work with.

This was expected with Zac Taylor bringing in a new staff. Jackson was linked to the Vikings’ offensive coordinator job before they decided to stay in-house with OC Kevin Stefanski. He may have to settle for a position coach role.

On the same staff with Mike Zimmer in Cincinnati, Jackson was reportedly a “real possibility” for Minnesota’s offensive coordinator job. To the joy of Vikings fans, however, they will look elsewhere. Vikings interim OC Kevin Stefanski’s contract expires on Tuesday, and he is drawing interest from other teams. Minnesota might have to move fast if they want to keep him.

Jackson will interview for the Bengals’ head-coaching job, but the Vikings could come calling if he is passed over. Jackson and Vikings coach Mike Zimmer worked together in Cincinnati. Interim OC Kevin Stefanski is interviewing with the Browns and will likely have other coordinating opportunities outside of Minnesota.

Coach Mike Zimmer and Jackson were both in Cincinnati together and are part of the Marvin Lewis coaching tree. In-house OC Kevin Stefanski’s contract is up, and he’s expected to be in demand throughout the league. Stefanski will interview for the Browns’ head coach job and has also been connected to the Giants where he’d reunite with Pat Shurmur. Jackson is going to coach in the NFL somewhere in 2019, but it shouldn’t be as a head coach or offensive play caller. Zimmer very clearly wants an OC who is going to run the ball heavily. That’s enough to question Zimmer.

In-house coordinators OC Bill Lazor and STC Darrin Simmons have already been interviewed for the gig. Jackson has already been linked to the job for several weeks and gets outgoing coach Marvin Lewis’ seal of approval. Owner Mike Brown is a big fan of continuity, but hiring Jackson would be a good way to keep Bengals fans away from the stadium. It would be a really bad move.

The idea of Jackson landing another head-coaching job seems almost unfathomable after his disastrous tenure with Cleveland but he’s reportedly a favorite of owner Mike Brown, who has a reputation for “doing things his own way.” Per La Canfora, Brown almost always hires “within the Bengals family” of former coaches and has praised Jackson for his work with franchise quarterback Andy Dalton. La Canfora added it would “not be a surprise at all” if Lewis stepped away from coaching in 2019 and allowed his close friend Jackson to take over. Hue-Jax would be the ultimate cocoon hire.

With Marvin Lewis taking over defensive coordinator duties, he needed some help, and Jackson is an old pal. “I have a great comfort level with Hue and his ability to assist me with the day-to-day responsibilities on defense,” Lewis said, “including analyzing our opponents and helping me on game days with the players and defensive coaches.” Jackson spent seven seasons across two separate stints with Lewis in Cincinnati.