After trying to hire New Orleans Saints center back coach Aaron Glenn to be the next defensive coordinator – a move that has yet to be finalized, but the Lions are “The clear favorite” by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN – Detroit Lions is trying to attack a potential offensive coordinator.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that Lions interviewed Baltimore Ravens quarterback trainer James Urban on Wednesday for his offensive coordinator role.
Urban began his coaching career in the NFL in 2004 at the Philadelphia Eagles under the command of then coach Andy Reid. He started as an assistant to the Eagles’ head coach in 2004-06, then became an offensive assistant and quality control role in 2007-08, and ended up earning the role of quarterback coach in 2009-10 – working with quarterbacks Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick.
In 2011, he joined Marvin Lewis’ Cincinnati Bengals as a wide receivers trainer and held that role for the next seven years. During the 2012-15 seasons, he worked directly with Lions administrators Marvin Jones Jr. and Mohamad Sanu.
In 2018, Urban joined John Harbaugh’s Ravens as his QB trainer and was immediately tasked with training then-newbie Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s technique and footwork were considered cruel when he joined the league and, under Urban’s tutelage, he helped the young signer add layers to his overall game. In 2019, Jackson was the league’s MVP.
Urban is well liked throughout the league, he is considered a very intelligent coach who can effectively communicate his message. His connections with three established head coaches and a history of player development is something that is certainly very attractive to Lions.