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Texas A&M officially announces hiring of offensive line coach
By Nick Cole
Published:
Jim Turner is back.
The Aggies announced Saturday that they have hired their former offensive line coach to return in the same capacity for 2016.
Turner served as the Texas A&M offensive line coach under Mike Sherman from 2008-11.
Kevin Sumlin expressed his excitement about the return of Turner, who will replace Dave Christensen after just one season on the job.
“Jim Turner is one of the top offensive line coaches in the country and when you watch his units, they are excellent technicians and tough,” Sumlin said. “He is also an excellent evaluator of talent and recruiter.”
The press release was full of endorsements from former Aggies that played under Turner, including Luke Joeckel:
“Coach Turner was one of the big reasons I chose Texas A&M,” Joeckel, a 2013 NFL first-round pick and second overall selection in the draft, said. “He expected the best out of you every day—in the film room, the practice field and in the game. He is a great technician and we have stayed in touch. I am very excited he is back at Texas A&M.”
And perhaps a surprising endorsement from Tampa Bay WR Mike Evans, who did not play directly under Turner:
“If it weren’t for Coach Turner, I would probably be playing basketball,” Mike Evans, former Texas A&M wide receiver and first-round NFL draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said. “Coach Turner thought I could play wide receiver and I am glad he recruited me to Texas A&M.”
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
