Browns Hire Hue Jackson, Who Was Candidate For Giants Job, As Head Coach
CLEVELAND (CBSNewYork/AP) — Scratch another name off the Giants' list of prospective coaches.
The Browns are hiring Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson as their next coach, CBS Sports Jason La Canfora reported. The Giants had planned to interview Jackson on Wednesday night or Thursday, according to multiple reports.
Browns will name Hue Jackson as their next head coach. Deal to be finalized today
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 13, 2016
Jackson is the second candidate the Giants were considering who has landed a job elsewhere. Former Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase met with New York last week, but he was hired as the Miami Dolphins head coach a day later.
The Giants have also interviewed their current offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, former Bills coach Doug Marrone, Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and former Falcons coach Mike Smith.
The Giants are searching for a replacement for Tom Coughlin, who stepped down last week after 12 seasons. Team co-owner Steve Tisch told reporters Tuesday that he expects a new coach to be in place "by the end of the week."
Once Jackson's deal with Cleveland is finalized, he will become the Browns' eighth coach since 1999.
The Browns were drawn to the 50-year-old Jackson because he has NFL head coaching experience, deep knowledge of the AFC North and a strong record working with quarterbacks.
Cleveland has the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft and will likely use it on a quarterback.
Jackson spent the past two seasons overseeing Cincinnati's offense. He pushed quarterback Andy Dalton to his best statistical season and was known for his creative flair with unbalanced lines and unorthodox formations.
He served as head coach of the Oakland Raiders in 2011, but was fired after the team went 8-8 and a new general manager took over.
Jackson replaces Mike Pettine, who was fired after going 10-22 in two seasons.