Bengals’ new OL coach Jim Turner defends tackle Bobby Hart

The recently hired OL coach, Jim Turner, defended Bobby Hart, the Bengals former right tackle and current unrestricted free agent.

Zac Taylor controversially hired Jim Turner almost a month ago.

A coach prone to hiring former associates, Taylor spent some time with Turner back in his Texas A&M days. Now, he’s bringing him on for his first NFL position since the Dolphins fired him in 2014 following the series of bullying instances that were brought to light.

Trying to build an uplifting culture, Turner backed Hart, a player many fans were not very fond of.

Jim Turner on Bobby Hart cont: “I just like what he brought to the table as far as energy is concerned. I think he’s an athlete and I think he’s a good player, a good, solid player.”

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) February 28, 2019

Hart, 24, started 16 games for the Bengals last season. In those 16 games, he totaled 12 penalties, four more than his previous three seasons (21 starts) combined.

The Bengals, if they don’t re-sign Hart, will need to find a replacement for the 6-foot-5, four-year pro.