The first coaching change of the NFL season came down just hours after Sunday’s Week 8 action.
The Cleveland Browns are firing head coach Hue Jackson, multiple person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell and Mike Jones. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been announced.
ESPN was the first to report the news.
Jackson had compiled a 3-36-1 record in two-and-a-half seasons in Cleveland. The firing comes less than a full day after the Browns suffered another disappointing defeat, a 33-18 loss against the Steelers that dropped Cleveland to 2-5-1 on the season.
Though Jackson inherited a roster with numerous holes, the Browns front office has gradually added talented pieces – in particular – through the draft.
Holding the No. 1 overall selections in the past two drafts, the Browns have picked defensive end Myles Garrett and quarterback Baker Mayfield, both of whom have become building blocks for the next regime.
The Browns offense, however, has been particularly disappointing, ranking 24th in both yardage (342.4 per game) and scoring (21.1 points a game).
Jackson becomes the sixth consecutive Browns coach (preceded by Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, Pat Shurmur, Rod Chudzinski and Mike Pettine) to be fired after losing in the team's second meeting with the Steelers that season.
Both of Cleveland’s coordinators, Todd Haley on offense and Gregg Williams on defense, have head coaching experience. One of them will likely take over an interim basis.
Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes.
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