The Bengals’ offensive coordinator thought he would have been a fit in Buffalo as head coach, until Rex Ryan got the job instead.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson wants another crack at being a head coach in the NFL. He’s no stranger to being a head coach n his past, having coached the Oakland Raiders for one season and doing so in an impressive manner. In his one season as head coach, Hue Jackson lead the Raiders to an 8-8 season in 2011. Anyone who can do that should be considered for more than just a head coaching opportunity.
More from Buffalo Bills
- NFL rumors: Division rival could steal Dalvin Cook from Dolphins
- Bills RB to miss entire season after freak jet ski accident
- Bills fan hitched the luckiest ride home from Atlanta with Sean McDermott
- 3 best QB-receiver combinations in the NFL for the 2023 season
- 3 Bills who won’t be on the roster after training camp
Jackson took over in Oakland in 2011 after former head coach Tom Cable was fired and lead Oakland to a fast 7-4 start. Although they only finished 8-8, Jackson proved that he could be a successful head coach in the NFL. Unfortunately, the ineptitude in Oakland front office at the time prevented Jackson from continuing on as head coach.
After the Bengals made their fourth straight postseason appearance, Jackson received an interview with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills were in need of a head coach after Doug Marrone exorcised his out clause after new ownership took over the franchise.
Jackson felt he would have been a great fit for the franchise who was coming off a winning season with a 9-7 record, their best since its 2004.
“I thought it was the right fit, the right situation,” Jackson said to the Cincinnati Enquirer, “I had a good working knowledge of what they are trying to do, but, hey, it didn’t work out.”
The Bills decided to go in a different direction and hired former Jets head coach Rex Ryan to lead their emerging defense who quietly became one of the best defenses in the league last season.
If the Bengals can get back to the postseason again next year and win a playoff game, Jackson should be in serious consideration for another shot at head coaching gig somewhere in the league. It would also be big if he can get quarterback Andy Dalton to take the next step as a quarterback.
Dalton has show he can lead the team to the playoffs but has yet to prove he can win in the playoffs. If he can do that, his offensive coordinator has a shot to prove what he can do in charge.
That’s a big “if” however as Cincinnati hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991. Still, if the Bengals can remove the black cloud hanging over them, it will only make his chances at another head coaching spot even greater.
[H/T: ProFootballTalk]
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle