Former Braintree Football Standout Hired As NFL Coach

BRAINTREE, MA — A former Braintree High School football standout is getting another opportunity to coach in the NFL.

The Cincinnati Bengals hired Jim Turner as their new offensive line coach. Prior to the Bengals hire, Turner was Texas A&M's offensive line coach from twice from 2016 to 2018 and 2008 to 2001. In the NFL, Turner coached the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2013. In high school, Turner was a two-way standout with the Wamps. He also was an assistant coach at Braintree High School in 1988, prior to starting his college coaching career at Northeastern.

The hire does come with some controversy since Turner was the Dolphin's offensive line coach during the 2013 bullying scandal, when offensive lineman Jonathan Martin left the team after complaining that his teammates, especially guard Richard Incognito bullied and harassed him. Turner was fired in February 2014 after an NFL investigation claimed Turner's “unprofessional conduct played a role in Martin’s struggles.” Turner tried to sue the team for defamation, but the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the lawsuit.

Newly hired Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor though believes Turner is a good person and deserves to coach in the NFL again. Turner and Taylor worked together in Miami and at Texas A&M.

“He’s a great person, great human, somebody I trust. ... Every coach, just not Jim, every coach we’re going to have on this staff is the right stuff,” Taylor told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

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