A former offensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins, Jackson has been credited with helping to accelerate the development of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco during his just-completed rookie season.
Jackson, 43, had also been linked to offensive coordinator positions with the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Jets but this marks his first interview since the Ravens’ 23-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC title game.
The Ravens weren’t required to grant permission for Jackson to interview and remain hopeful that he will return next season
"Hue did a tremendous job with Joe, Hue is one of the best offensive coaches in the league," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday. "Hue is going to have a lot of opportunities to move up. Now whether Hue chooses to do that or not this year or next year or sometime down the road, we’ll just have to see, but Hue Jackson is a shining star.
"He’s a team guy, he’s a humble man. I think he wants what’s best for the Ravens right now, but he’s going to have plenty of opportunities to go wherever he wants in this profession."
With the Redskins in 2003, Jackson’s offense finished 22nd in total offense. In 2007 with the Falcons, Jackson coached Atlanta to 23rd in total offense.
A former receivers coach with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jackson coached in the Bay Area before at Cal. He was USC’s offensive coordinator from 1997 to 2000, coaching Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer.
Jackson faces competition for the job from former NFL head coach Dan Reeves and several others candidates.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
