OWINGS MILLS – Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson interviewed Wednesday for the Oakland Raiders’ offensive coordinator position.
Jackson interviewed last year for the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator job.
Jackson has coached Joe Flacco for the past two seasons and is considered to be instrumental in his development.
Flacco has completed 61.7 percent of his career throws for 6,584 yards, 35 touchdowns and 24 interceptions for an 84.9 passer rating.
Jackson has previously been an offensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons and the Washington Redskins.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh had said that he didn’t expect any coaching changes.
“We don’t have anything brewing right now,” he said.
Jackson had been linked in rumors to the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator vacancy, but hasn’t been contacted at this point.
There haven’t been any requests to speak with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and defensive coordinator Greg Mattison.
“I think that guys are going to have opportunities to do some things, to move up and improve their position professionally and have some more responsibility,” Harbaugh said. “And if that happens, we’ll be really happy for them.”
Meanwhile, Harbaugh forecasted potential trade interest from other franchises for backup quarterbacks Troy Smith and John Beck.
“My guess is there’s going to be some people that are going to be interested in those two guys, so we’re not going to hold them back,” Harbaugh said. “But we’re going to make sure we do what’s best for the Ravens.”
And that could include a competition for the primary backup spot.
Smith is a former Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State. His agent has requested a trade, but he’s not regarded as having much, if any, trade value.
Beck was a second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins.
“We think we have two good, young backup quarterbacks,” Harbaugh said. “Obviously, two guys that want to start in this league. So, I think we’re very happy with our situation. We’re very content to have those guys as a strong two and a strong three and even battling it out within those roles as we go forward.”
NOTES: The Ravens are going to try to hold onto unrestricted free agent defensive linemen Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards. Bannan and Edwards had 37 tackles and 50 tackles during the regular season, respectively. “We’re going to try to keep those guys here,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to make a big push to do it. We want to keep that group intact.” Added Edwards: “I hope I get to come back, but you never know what’s going to happen with free agency. The Ravens are my first choice, so I hope to hear from them.” … Due to the restrictive rules governing the final eight playoff teams, the Ravens may have a tough time bringing in a top-flight wide receiver. “We’re going to do everything we can to make our team better, and that goes for the wide receiver position just like it goes for the defensive back position,” Harbaugh said. “You put a level of priority on different positions, so we’ve got a plan that way. We’ve got an idea and a direction we want to go, for sure. I think we’ve got to put as many good players around Joe Flacco as we possibly can.” … The Ravens are pleased with the addition of six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk last spring. “A young offensive line, and an anchor like Matt Birk is what tied it all together,” Harbaugh said. “That was really the whole idea. He did a great job, not just with the calls. I think he did a great job of showing those guys how to prepare. And then he played really well. There’s nothing more we could ask of Matt Birk. I think he’s been a home run.”
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
