After Aaron Glenn, the coach of the New Orleans Saints, defended to be the next defense coordinator – a step that has not yet been completed, but the Lions “The clear favorite” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler the Detroit Lions are now turning to a potential attacking coordinator.
NFL Network Tom Pelissero reports that the Lions interviewed Baltimore Ravens quarterback James Urban on Wednesday for their offensive coordinating role.
Urban began his NFL coaching career in 2004 with the Philadelphia Eagles under then-coach Andy Reid. He started as the Eagles’ assistant coach as head coach in 2004-06, then went into an attacking assistant and quality control roles in 2007-08 and eventually earned a coaching role in the quarterfinals in 2009-10 – along with fullback Donovan McNabb and Michael. Vick.
In 2011, he joined Marvin Lewis’ Cincinnati Bengals as a wide-ranging receiving coach and served the next seven years. During the 2012-15 seasons, he spoke directly with Lions receivers Marvin Jones Jr. and Mohamad Sanu worked.
In 2018, Urban joined John Harbaugh’s Ravens as their QB coach and he was immediately given the task of coaching then-rookie Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s technique and footwork were considered raw when he entered the league, and under the supervision of Urbanus, he helped the young signalman add his overall game layers. In 2019, Jackson was the league’s MVP.
Urban is very popular across the league and is considered a very intelligent coach who can convey his message effectively. His commitment to three established head coaches and his record for developing players is something that definitely makes the Lions very attractive.