Browns HC Hue Jackson Mourning Deaths of Mother, Brother in Past 2 Weeks

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson is working to overcome an "extremely difficult" period in his life following the deaths of his mother, Betty Lee, and brother, John Jackson Jr., over the past two weeks.

On Wednesday, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com provided comments from agent John Thornton about Jackson's continued efforts to get ready for the 2018 NFL season after the deaths "hit him hard."

"It's been really tough on him," Thornton said. "He's just trying to let football help him out."

Thornton added Jackson hasn't wanted to mention his personal life because he wants to focus to remain on the team, especially with the HBO Hard Knocks camera crew filming the franchise's every move during training camp, per Cabot.

"At any given time he's got two cameras in his office," the coach's agent said. "He's doing the best he can not to let his emotions get the best of him. He knows he has to be there for the team."

Jackson was named the Browns' head coach in January 2016. He previously led the Oakland Raiders' coaching staff for one season in 2011.

The 52-year-old Los Angeles native has more than three decades of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels. Thornton said he's received an "outpouring of support" from the NFL community, including the Cincinnati Bengals organization, where he was employed for seven years across two stints.

Cleveland is set to open the preseason next Thursday against the New York Giants, and then Jackson will travel home to L.A. for his mom's funeral. The Browns kick off the regular season Sept. 9  against the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers.