Browns pull plug on Jackson’s tenure
Hue Jackson’s failed, flawed tenure with the Browns is finally over.
The team fired its embattled coach Monday, ending a run of futility nearly unmatched in NFL history. Jackson, who went 3-36-1 in two-plus seasons, was dismissed by general manager John Dorsey with the backing of owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam.
The Browns also fired offensive coordinator Todd Haley and made defensive coordinator Gregg Williams the interim coach. Haley was in his first season on Jackson’s staff after spending the last six with the Steelers.
Jimmy Haslam intimated the firings were prompted by an irreparable divide between Jackson and Haley, who squabbled behind the scenes and recently took their power struggle public.
“Hopefully we made a big step today,” Haslam said. “It’s very troubling. It’s hard to win in the NFL; if anybody knows that, it’s us. And I think the message today is we’re not going to put up with internal discord.”
Jackson’s firing came a day after the Browns (2-5-1) lost their 25th straight road game — 20 with Jackson in charge.
Jameis Winston’s inability to cut down on turnovers cost him his starting job with the Buccaneers.
Without speculating on what the move means for the young quarterback’s future with the team, coach Dirk Koetter said veteran backup Ryan Fitzpatrick will lead the offense against the Panthers on Sunday.
Winston, 24, was benched after throwing four interceptions in a 37-34 loss to the Bengals.
“We’re going to start Fitz at quarterback this week. That’s what we feel we need to do this week to give ourselves the best chance,” Koetter said.
Winston, who entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft, has 11 turnovers — 10 interceptions and one fumble — in 31⁄ games since returning from a suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.
“I don’t like switching quarterbacks. That’s not in my makeup,” Koetter said.
Chargers DE Joey Bosa said a couple weeks ago that he was optimistic about returning after the bye week. Coach Anthony Lynn, however, said Bosa still needs to make more progress. Lynn hasn’t declared Bosa out for Sunday’s game at the Seahawks but hinted that Bosa wouldn’t be doing any team or individual drills. Bosa hasn’t played this season due to a bone bruise to his left foot. “From now it is going to be a week-to-week-type thing,” Bosa said. ... The Cowboys fired offensive line coach Paul Alexander less than halfway into his first season with the team, marking the first time for coach Jason Garrett to make an in-season change to his coaching staff. Alexander’s dismissal was announced after the Cowboys had their bye over the weekend. The offensive line has played below expectations, with QB Dak Prescott having been sacked 23 times this season.