Turner returning to fold as line coach

COLLEGE STATION — Texas A&M’s offensive line, which allowed 2.85 sacks per game last season (tied for 107th nationally), often appeared to lack technique and toughness.

The Aggies’ new offensive line coach brings both to the practice field — and it’s a name A&M fans likely are familiar with. Jim Turner will return as offensive line coach, according to Football Scoop.

Turner served as former A&M coach Mike Sherman’s offensive line coach from 2008-11, and then was with Sherman when the latter was offensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins from 2012-14.

A&M’s offensive line was considered a team strength during Turner’s tenure.

Turner was fired from the Dolphins following a controversy surrounding offensive lineman Richie Incognito, and according to an NFL.com story at the time in an independent i nvestigation, “Turner tolerated and even participated in the harassment of Miami players, lied to investigators and repeatedly attempted to convince Jonathan Martin to publicly defend teammate Richie Incognito.”

Last month, Turner accepted a job as the University of Cincinnati’s running backs coach. At A&M, he will replace Dave Christensen, the former Wyoming coach and Missouri and Utah offensive coordinator whom A&M coach Kevin Sumlin fired last week after one year on the job.

The A&M offensive line was one of the nation’s worst — at least in protecting the quarterback.

Sumlin is searching for a replacement for defensive tackles coach Mark Hagen, who returns to his alma mater of Indiana as defensive line coach.