CLEVELAND, Ohio - Browns GM John Dorsey indicated he never considered a non-compete clause for coach Hue Jackson, who joined the Bengals staff on Tuesday as a special assistant to Marvin Lewis and will face the Browns in Cincinnati on Nov. 25 and here Dec. 23.
“No, I wish him the best,” Dorsey said a bye-week press conference. “It was hard a couple weeks ago and Hue’s to the (Bengals) -- I wish him the best.”
Asked if keeping Jackson, fired on Oct. 29, this season was akin to Mike Holmgren keeping Eric Mangini in 2010, Dorsey said, “If we continue to win and build and finish strong, that’s all you can ask for. That’s what I ask for is play every game tough and let’s see if we can put some back-to-back wins here, let’s see if we can get a positive outcome at the end of the season here.’’
With Browns owner Jimmy Haslam citing internal discord as the reason for firing Jackson (3-36-1) and offensive coordinator Todd Haley, Dorsey was asked about hiring someone who can get along well with others.
“That’s a good question,’’ he said. “What it is, it’s got to be the interview process, do they align within the organizational tenets of what you’re looking for. As you go through the interview process, you’ll be able to see what really is in his soul and in his fiber, how deep of a knowledge does he have, what type of people does he surround himself with.
“I’ve been in the league a lot of years and I’ll know a majority of the coaches, not only in the college ranks, but in the professional ranks, both as head coaches, position … I’ll know most of who he’s talking about and then you’ll see how it all unfolds.
Dorsey was also asked specifically why Haley was also let go, about an hour after Jackson. He steered clear of addressing it.
“What I’m trying to focus on is moving forward as an organization,’’ he said. “We have six games left in this season. I think that’s where the focus should be. Then we’ll move on to the next project as the season begins to conclude. But it’s important to end on a strong note here.”
Dorsey praised the job that interim coach Gregg Williams (1-1) and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens has done. He also said Williams will be interviewed for the job.
“Now regarding the last two weeks, I think Gregg Williams has done a really nice job and he’s had the guys, take this team and keep them focused on the task at hand,’’ he said. “It’s all about winning and I think Freddie Kitchens has done a really nice job of putting the game plan together and then on game day actually executing that game plan and it kind of reflects in the numbers.
“And then I would be amiss if I didn’t recognize Blake Williams, you know the interim coach has cast extra duties for him to do and Blake has done a really nice job with regards to that.”
In a release from the Bengals on Tuesday, Lewis said Jackson will help him in a variety of ways, including on defense after he fired coordinator Teryl Austin on Monday. The Bengals have the 32nd defense in the NFL.
"I have a great comfort level with Hue and his ability to assist me with the day-to-day responsibilities on defense, including analyzing our opponents and helping me on game days with the players and defensive coaches,” Lewis said.
Said Jackson, who’s being paid by the Browns at least through next season: “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to join the Bengals this season. There is a lot of talent on this team, and I look forward to doing my part to help it finish the season strong.”