Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is going to try to exorcise an elephant on Sunday afternoon and doing so might help his chances of landing his second chance to be an NFL head coach.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Bills have requested permission to interview Jackson for the vacancy created when Doug Marrone opted out of his contract last week. Jackson will be able to interview with the Bills after the Bengals face the Colts whether they win or lose, although they’ll have a limited window to speak with Jackson should the Bengals advance for the first time since the days when Ickey Woods was celebrating more than just a chance to purchase cold cuts.
Jackson went 8-8 in 2011, his one season as the Raiders head coach. That equals their best record since last making the playoffs in 2002, but Jackson was cast aside when Reggie McKenzie took over as general manager after the death of Al Davis.
Schefter reports that the Bills also want to interview Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Austin’s team also plays on Sunday, putting him on the same schedule for availability as Jackson. The Falcons and 49ers have also shown interest in speaking with Austin about their openings.