Jackson glad to be back with Bengals

CINCINNATI — Hue Jackson was talking to reporters outside Paul Brown Stadium when quarterback Andy Dalton yelled at him that practice was about to begin. Just like old times. The former Bengals offensive coordinator is back in town, though this time dabbling in the other side of the playbook — well, mostly.

How that part plays out is an interesting subplot as the Bengals (5-4) make one final push to save their atrisk season.

A 51-14 loss to the Saints — the third straight game in which Cincinnati has given up 500 yards — set things in motion. Head coach Marvin Lewis fired defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Monday and installed himself in the dual role of coach and coordinator.

He also called his unemployed close friend to see whether he was interested in returning for a third stint in Cincinnati, this time as a special assistant on defense. Jackson was fired as Browns head coach two weeks ago.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me, and I’m just thankful that they said, ‘You come on home,’” Jackson said. So, now what? Lewis built his coaching reputation as a defensive coordinator, directing the Baltimore Ravens’ defense that won the Super Bowl in the 2000 season. He has decided to go back to his roots as a coordinator while also functioning as head coach — quite a challenge.

“There’s a lot,” Lewis said on Wednesday.

He spent Tuesday night at home scripting defensive plays. He then led the team meeting on Wednesday morning and presided over the defensive meeting.

Lewis isn’t sure how things will play out Sunday in Baltimore (4-5), a game the Bengals need to win to stay in the AFC North race. Jackson is providing input for the defensive game plan and will be on the sideline helping Lewis manage the defense, though their game-day roles haven’t been defined.

One thing is clear: Jackson won’t be dabbling in the offense. Not for now, anyway.

Asked whether Jackson would do anything with the offense, Lewis said emphatically, “No. Separate from the offense.”

Jackson was the Bengals’ offensive coordinator when Dalton had his best season in 2015. He left to take Cleveland’s head coaching job after that season. His return could create an awkward dynamic on the coaching staff with offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.

“I don’t want to do anything to upset anything that they have going on here,” Jackson said. “But at the same time, if I can help, I do want to help.”