NFL's Cleveland Browns appoint Hue Jackson as coach
Wednesday 13 January 2016 21:39, UK
Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has been named coach of the Cleveland Browns, who shared the league's worst record last season at 3-13.
Jackson spent the past two seasons directing the attack of the Bengals, who ranked seventh in the NFL in scoring, after having served as coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2011, going 8-8.
"He embodies all the qualities that will provide strong leadership for our football team," Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement.
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"He possesses that unique ability to reach the entire locker room in a way that demands accountability while getting the buy-in and team-first mentality that leads to positive results."
Jackson backed out of a planned interview with the New York Giants when Haslam made him the job offer Wednesday, when he was to fly to New York. Jackson had earlier spoken with the San Francisco 49ers about their coaching vacancy.
"What a tremendous honour and privilege to be the head coach of the Cleveland Browns," Jackson said. "I'm so looking forward to it."
Jackson becomes the Browns' sixth coach since 2008 and succeeds Mike Pettine, who was fired on January 3 after going 10-22 over two seasons.
Only Dallas and San Francisco managed fewer than the 278 points the Browns produced this past season.
Controversial quarterback Johnny Manziel is likely not to figure into the Browns future plans with Jackson on the scene.
