Back to losing ways, Browns fire Jackson
Hue Jackson’s failed, flawed tenure with the Cleveland Browns is finally over.
The team fired its beleaguered head coach Monday, ending a run of futility nearly unmatched in NFL history. Jackson, who went 3-36-1 in two-plus seasons, was let go Monday by general manager John Dorsey with the backing of owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam.
The Browns also dismissed offensive coordinator Todd Haley and named defensive coordinator Gregg Williams interim head coach. Haley was in his first season on Jackson’s staff after six seasons in Pittsburgh.
Jackson’s firing came a day after the Browns (2-5-1) lost their 25th straight road game — 20 with Jackson in charge.
The Browns, who have not made the playoffs since 2002 amid a slew of coaching changes, have lost three straight games after a promising start to this season.
For now, Williams is in charge as the Browns prepare to face Kansas City (7-1) on Sunday. Williams went 17-31 in three seasons (2001-03) as Buffalo’s head coach, but the animated assistant is perhaps best known for being suspended by the NFL for the 2012 season for his role in the “Bountygate” scandal that rocked the New Orleans Saints.
Also, running backs coach Freddie Kitchens was promoted to offensive coordinator. Bucs switch QBs: Jameis Winston’s inability to cut down on turnovers has cost him his starting job with Tampa Bay.
Head coach Dirk Koetter said backup Ryan Fitzpatrick will lead the NFL’s No. 1ranked offense against the Panthers on Sunday.
Winston, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2015, was benched after throwing four interceptions during Sunday’s 37-34 loss at Cincinnati.
Koetter said Fitzpatrick gives the Buccaneers the best chance against Carolina, adding the change is “just for right now.” Briefly: The Cowboys fired offensive line coach Paul Alexander less than halfway into his first season with the team, replacing him with former Dallas offensive lineman Marc Colombo, who had been assistant offensive-line coach since 2016 . ... A person familiar with the meeting said that free agent Terrelle Pryor visited with the receiver- and quarterbackneedy Bills.