The Cleveland Browns are finalizing a deal with Hue Jackson to become the next head coach of the franchise, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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
Jackson was said to be waiting until after he met with the New York Giants on Thursday, but it seems the allure of the Browns and owner Jimmy Haslam's money and reported offers of personnel control were too much to say no to.
Michael Silver of Sports Illustrated confirmed Schefter's report shortly thereafter.
Hue Jackson will become the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns. "They made me feel comfortable," he just told me.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 13, 2016
Jackson, the Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator for the last two seasons, will be getting his second crack at an NFL head coaching gig. In 2011, Jackson led the Oakland Raiders out to a 7-4 record before stumbling down the stretch, finishing 8-8 and outside the playoffs and ultimately being fired after the Raiders brought in GM Reggie McKenzie.
With the Bengals, Jackson has helped quarterback Andy Dalton turn himself from a good starting signal-caller in the league to a great one this season. He helmed an offense that finished the 2015 regular season ranked 15th in the NFL, though they finished the season with backup AJ McCarron playing in place of an injured Dalton.
