Hue Jackson: NFL Head Coach Biography

Hue Jackson is an American football coach with a long and varied career at both the collegiate and professional levels. Born on October 22, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, Jackson has been recognized for his extensive offensive coaching expertise and leadership roles in the NFL.

Playing Career

• Jackson played quarterback at Glendale Community College (California) and then transferred to the University of the Pacific, where he played quarterback and later running back from 1985–1986.

Coaching Career

• College Coaching:
  • Began coaching in 1987 at Pacific as a graduate assistant.
  • Held various assistant roles at Pacific, Cal State Fullerton, Arizona State, Cal, and USC, primarily coaching running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers through the 1990s.
  • Known for developing top collegiate offenses and mentoring future NFL players.
• NFL Assistant and Coordinator Roles:
  • Began NFL coaching with the Washington Redskins (2001–2003), working with running backs and as offensive coordinator.
  • Worked as wide receivers coach for Cincinnati Bengals (2004–2006), contributing to the development of Chad Johnson (Ochocinco) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
  • Quarterbacks coach for Baltimore Ravens (2008–2009), overseeing the development of Joe Flacco.
  • Offensive coordinator for Oakland Raiders (2010) and Cincinnati Bengals (2014–2015).
• NFL Head Coaching:
  • Oakland Raiders (2011): Promoted to head coach after a year as offensive coordinator. The Raiders finished 8–8, narrowly missing the playoffs. Jackson was dismissed after one season.
  • Cleveland Browns (2016–2018): Hired as head coach, Jackson is perhaps best known for his challenging tenure in Cleveland, where he compiled a 3–36–1 record, including a winless 0–16 season in
    2017. He was let go midway through the 2018 season.
• Recent Work:
  • Returned to Cincinnati Bengals in 2018 as special assistant and later offensive assistant.
  • Head coach at Grambling State University (2022–present), returning to the college ranks to lead the historic HBCU program.

Relevant Facts & Highlights

• Known for his offensive acumen and ability to build relationships with players.
• One of the few African-American head coaches in NFL history.
• Mentored several Pro Bowl players and future NFL stars throughout his career.
• While his head coaching record in the NFL was challenging, Jackson is respected for his resilience and continued passion for coaching.

Hue Jackson’s coaching journey has spanned the collegiate and professional ranks, and he remains a notable figure for his perseverance and football knowledge.

Legacy & Career Overview

Hue Jackson: A Comprehensive Biography

Hue Jackson is a seasoned American football coach whose journey through the ranks of college and professional football has been marked by both challenges and notable accomplishments. Born on October 22, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, Jackson has developed a reputation for his offensive acumen, leadership skills, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Early Life and Playing Career

Hue Jackson grew up in Los Angeles, where he attended Dorsey High School, excelling as a multi-sport athlete. He continued his football career at Glendale (CA) Community College before transferring to the University of the Pacific. At Pacific, Jackson played quarterback, showcasing a competitive edge and deep understanding of offensive schemes. His playing career laid the groundwork for his future success on the sidelines, as he developed a strong sense of the strategy and intricacies of the game.

Early Coaching Career: Building a Foundation

After graduating from Pacific, Jackson immediately transitioned into coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in
1987. Over the next decade, he honed his craft at several collegiate programs, including stints at Cal State Fullerton, Arizona State, Cal-Berkeley, and USC. His roles spanned from running backs coach to offensive coordinator, and he quickly developed a reputation for innovative offensive play-calling and player development.

Transition to the NFL

Jackson’s NFL coaching career began in 2001 when he joined the Washington Redskins as a running backs coach under Marty Schottenheimer. He then progressed to being the Redskins’ offensive coordinator in
2003. Over the next several years, Jackson built a diverse NFL resume, serving in various offensive capacities:

• Washington Redskins (2001–2003): Running Backs Coach, Offensive Coordinator
• Cincinnati Bengals (2004–2006): Wide Receivers Coach — instrumental in developing stars like Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh
• Atlanta Falcons (2007): Offensive Coordinator
• Baltimore Ravens (2008–2009): Quarterbacks Coach, guiding rookie Joe Flacco to early playoff success

Oakland Raiders: First Head Coaching Opportunity

Hue Jackson’s first opportunity as an NFL head coach came with the Oakland Raiders. He initially joined the Raiders as offensive coordinator in 2010, immediately revitalizing an offense that had struggled for years. In 2011, following the dismissal of Tom Cable, Jackson was promoted to head coach. Under his leadership, the Raiders finished 8–8, narrowly missing the playoffs but achieving their first non-losing season since
2002. Despite his relative success, he was dismissed after just one season, largely due to front office changes.

Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns Era

After his time in Oakland, Jackson returned to the Cincinnati Bengals, serving as secondary coach, running backs coach, and ultimately offensive coordinator from 2014–
2015. His work was widely praised; during his tenure, the Bengals reached the playoffs multiple times and boasted one of the league’s most balanced offenses.

In 2016, Jackson was hired as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, taking on one of the NFL’s most challenging rebuilding projects. His tenure in Cleveland was marked by adversity, as the Browns underwent a complete roster overhaul and rebuild. Over three seasons (2016–2018), the Browns struggled mightily, including a winless 0–16 campaign in 2017, making Jackson’s overall record (3–36–1) a frequent point of discussion. Despite the record, players and colleagues often praised him for his leadership, football mind, and ability to connect with personnel.

Later Career and Legacy

After leaving the Browns, Jackson briefly rejoined the Bengals as a special assistant to the head coach. He has since remained active in football, including serving as offensive coordinator and then head coach at Grambling State University at the collegiate level.

Coaching Philosophy and Reputation

Hue Jackson is known for his creative offensive schemes and his ability to connect with and develop players, particularly quarterbacks and wide receivers. His adaptability has allowed him to coach a wide variety of offensive systems and player types, and he is highly regarded in coaching circles for his football intelligence and work ethic.

Personal Life and Notable Achievements

Off the field, Jackson is respected for his community involvement and philanthropy. He launched the Hue Jackson Foundation, dedicated to fighting human trafficking and supporting survivors, a cause close to his heart. Despite the difficulties faced during his NFL head coaching tenures, Jackson’s resilience and determination have made him a respected figure in both professional and collegiate football.

Career Highlights and Accomplishments

• First African-American head coach to lead the Raiders since Art Shell
• Guided Raiders to their first non-losing season in nearly a decade (2011)
• Played pivotal roles in developing Pro Bowl players such as Chad Johnson, Joe Flacco, and Andy Dalton
• Served as offensive coordinator for multiple NFL teams, consistently improving offensive performance
• Active mentor and philanthropist in the fight against human trafficking

Though his head coaching record is often scrutinized, Hue Jackson’s impact on the game—particularly as an offensive innovator and mentor—remains significant. His career is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a continuing passion for football.