James Urban returns in 2012 for his second season as Bengals wide receivers coach. With the benefit of a full season and full offseason under his belt, Urban will look to further tap into the potential of his young receivers.
James Urban returns in 2012 for his second season as Bengals wide receivers coach. With the benefit of a full season and full offseason under his belt, Urban will look to further tap into the potential of his young receivers.
In 2011, Urban was charged with leading an inexperienced Bengals receiving corps into a new offensive scheme. The presence of a rookie quarterback (Andy Dalton) and limited preparation time (due to NFL labor issues) increased the challenge. But the results were more than favorable, as the young receivers immediately developed a rapport with Dalton and saw continued production throughout the season and into the playoffs.
The crown jewel of Urban’s first year in Cincinnati was the rapid development of rookie A.J. Green, who led the Bengals in receptions (65), receiving yards (1057) and TDs (seven). Green established himself early as one of the top young receivers in the NFL and earned a Pro Bowl selection, voted directly to the AFC squad rather than joining later as an alternate. Green was the first rookie WR in the Pro Bowl since Anquan Boldin of Arizona in 2003.
Despite missing a game and a half due to injury, Green’s receptions and receiving yardage totals were tops among NFL rookies. His 1057 receiving yards set a new Bengals rookie record, breaking Cris Collinsworth’s 1981 mark of 1009, and his 65 catches fell just two short of Collinsworth’s rookie record.
Green’s development as a deep threat added another dimension to the Bengals offense. He had 11 receptions of 35 or more yards, which tied for the most in the NFL and was the most by a rookie since 1998, when Minnesota’s Randy Moss had 14.
As for Green’s fellow receivers, the 2011 season was one of development. Jerome Simpson enjoyed career highs in catches (50), receiving yards (725) and receiving TDs (four). Rookie Andrew Hawkins worked his way into a contributing role after starting the season on the practice squad, tallying 23 catches for 263 yards. Andre Caldwell (37 catches, 317 yards) continued his role as a steady contributor and rookie Ryan Whalen earned his way into the receiving rotation late in the season.
Prior to joining the Bengals, Urban was the Eagles QBs coach in 2009 and ’10, where he helped direct Pro Bowl seasons for Donovan McNabb (2009) and Michael Vick (’10). In 2010, Vick earned accolades as the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year and was the NFC starter in the Pro Bowl.
Urban spent seven total seasons with the Eagles (2004-10). He was assistant to the head coach from 2004-06 and was offensive quality control coach in 2007 and ’08. During his seven Philadelphia seasons, the Eagles earned five playoff berths and won three division titles. He first worked with the Eagles in 2003, serving as a coaching intern while employed full-time at the University of Pennsylvania.
A native of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Urban played in college at Washington and Lee (Lexington, Va.) as a wide receiver and kick returner. He worked for seven years in the college ranks — at Clarion (Pa.) University and at Penn — before joining the Eagles.
James and his wife, Patrice, have two daughters, Brielle and Cassidy, and a son, Jameson. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Washington and Lee and a master’s degree in communications from Clarion.
PLAYING AND COACHING HISTORY — 1992-95: Played WR at Washington & Lee. 1997-98: Assistant coach (AC), Clarion. 1999-2003: Director of football administration/operations, Pennsylvania. 2004-10: AC, Philadelphia Eagles. 2011-present: AC, Bengals.
