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FitzGerald has solid track record in 15 seasons in NFL.
The Bengals' hiring of Jeff FitzGerald as linebackers coach on Wednesday gives the club a proven assistant with a reputation for production. FitzGerald spent the past four years in the same capacity with the division rival Baltimore Ravens and became only the second linebackers coach in NFL history to have four players named to the Pro Bowl in the same season. Ravens linebackers Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs and Adalius Thomas earned Pro Bowl berths in 2006. The elite unit led the Ravens' to No. 1 league rankings in points allowed per game (12.6) and yards allowed per game (264.1). The 2007 Ravens' defense ranked second in the NFL against the run (79.3) and sixth in overall defense (301.6), while the Bengals were 21st (118.3) and 27th (348.8) in those categories.
"Jeff's recent experience is in our AFC North Division, and he's been instrumental in a very successful performance by the Ravens' front seven," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "He does a great job communicating with his players and we are excited to have him on our staff." FitzGerald, who enters his 15th season in the league, takes over for the fired Ricky Hunley. He became available when Ravens head coach Brian Billick was fired after a 5-11 season. FitzGerald, 47, previously coached the linebackers of the Washington Redskins (1998-99) and Arizona Cardinals (2000-03). He broke into the NFL with Tampa Bay (1990-93), working with the defensive backs and special teams. He has helped develop and coach the linebacker drills at the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis for the last 10 years. Dayton Daily News http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/bengals/2008/01/23/ddn012408bengalsweb.html |
