Jackson close to finalizing deal with Falcons

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports this morning that Bengals wide receivers coach Hue Jackson, having received permission to talk with the Falcons, is close to finalizing terms of a contract to become offensive coordinator. The deal could be done as early as this morning.

At a news conference Monday, new Falcons coach Bobby Petrino said he would call offensive plays, normally the job of the offensive coordinator.

Jackson is an excellent coach with an impressive background. He managed some of the most explosive personalities on the Cincinnati roster and kept them focused on the game each week. Jackson always was as honest as he could be with the media and was appreciated for his candor. When I watched him work at practice and interact with players, I could see a strong leader who was equally adept at being a productive follower on a team of coaches.

On that note, coordinators Bob Bratkowski and Chuck Bresnahan are excellent interviews. Special teams coach Darrin Simmons is good to talk to, as well, about football and life back on his father's wheat farm back in Kansas. Like many of the players, they are people you wouldn't mind having as next-door neighbors.