Former Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson is making a familiar trek across the Buckeye State.
Jackson is joining the Cincinnati Bengals’ coaching staff as a special assistant to the head coach, effective immediately, the team announced Tuesday.
It will mark the third stint with the Bengals for the 53-year-old Jackson, who was fired by the Browns on Oct. 29 after compiling a 3-36-1 record over two-plus seasons with the team.
“I have a great comfort level with Hue and his ability to assist me with the day-to-day responsibilities on defense, including analyzing our opponents and helping me on game days with the players and defensive coaches,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement.
The Bengals fired defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Monday after a 51-14 blowout loss to the high-octane New Orleans Saints.
“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to join the Bengals this season,” Jackson said in a statement. “There is a lot of talent on this team, and I look forward to doing my part to help it finish strong this season.”
Jackson served as the Bengals’ wide receivers coach from 2004-06, secondary assistant and special teams coach in 2012, running backs coach in 2013 and offensive coordinator from 2014-15.
Cincinnati (5-4) is scheduled to play the AFC North-rival Browns twice down the stretch in Weeks 12 and 16.
The Bengals became the first team in the Super Bowl era to surrender 500 yards in three consecutive games on Sunday. In the first half alone, the Saints rolled up 311 yards and had 21 first downs on 40 plays.
Cincinnati is on pace to break the 2012 Saints record for most yards allowed in a season.
