After giving a push to hire New Orleans Saints defensive coach Aaron Glenn to be the next defensive coordinator, a play that is not over yet, but the Lions are “The Clear Favorite” by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler – The Detroit Lions are now racing for a potential offensive coordinator.
NFL Networks Tom Pelissero reports that the Lions interviewed Baltimore Ravens quarterback James Urban on Wednesday for his role as offensive coordinator.
Urban began his NFL coaching career in 2004 with the Philadelphia Eagles under then-Andy Reid. He started as an Eagles assistant head coach in 2004-06, then moved on to an offensive line and controlled quality control roles in 2007-08, and eventually won a quarterback coaching role. in 2009-10 – working with quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick.
In 2011, he joined Marvin Lewis ’Cincinnati Bengals as a wide-receiver coach and held that role for the next seven years. During the 2012-15 seasons, he worked directly with Lions receivers Marvin Jones Jr. and Mohamad Sanu.
In 2018, Urban joined the Ravens of John Harbaugh as QB coach and was immediately commissioned to coach then-rookie Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s technique and footwork were considered raw when he entered the league and, under Urban’s tutelage, has helped the young interlocutor add layers to his overall game. In 2019, Jackson was the league’s vice president.
Urban is highly regarded throughout the league, he is considered a very intelligent coach who can effectively communicate his message. His connections to three established head coaches and his trajectory for developing players is something that is surely very appealing to the Lions.