Zimmer Interviewed in Miami; Considered "Top of the List"

by Anthony Cosenza on Jan 10, 2012 7:00 PM EST

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 1: Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer argues with head linesman Kent Payne #79 during an NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium on September 1, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Colts won 17-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has been connected with a couple of head coaching vacancies around the NFL. The state of Florida seems to have its eyes on Zimmer as it has been reported that both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins are interested in Zimmer being their franchise's next head coach.

As we reported via the NFL Network, Zimmer was set to interview with the Dolphins on Monday. Apparently that interview is complete and it's made known that Zimmer is a candidate who "is at the top of the list".

The Dolphins team website reports this little tidbit and it really comes as no surprise. First, Zimmer has had a long NFL coaching career with quite a bit of success. In his three years coaching Cincinnati's defense, he's brought the unit to a No. 4 overall ranking (2009) and a No. 7 overall ranking (2011).

Also weighing heavily into the Dolphins' front office's decision on a new head coach is the fact that Zimmer has ties with General Manager Jeff Ireland. These two go back to Zimmer's coaching days back with the Dallas Cowboys in the early to mid-2000s.

Losing Zimmer to head coaching job would definitely hurt, but I think that most Bengals fans would be happy to see the ol' ballcoach get a shot as a head coach in the NFL--he's definitely deserved it. It's been assumed that the most probable replacements should Zimmer leave are former Jaguars head coach, Jack Del Rio and current Bengals secondary coach, Kevin Coyle.

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good luck to him if it happens...

…but the greedy part of me hopes he doesn’t get the job.

by dqniel on Jan 10, 2012 7:02 PM EST reply actions

Well it looks like we will be losing Zim since Fisher will most likely go to St. Louis

Best of luck I just hope our defense continues to stay solid

by Tampa_Bengal on Jan 10, 2012 7:04 PM EST reply actions

Once again, I'm sceptical.

If he is “at the top of the list”, why aren’t we seeing him introduced as the new HC?

I’m expecting him back for another season in Cincy

by BENGALS69 on Jan 10, 2012 7:06 PM EST reply actions

I am skeptical too

especially for Miami…they have already stated that they want a big name…so I dont see him going there…

"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"

by ticalcaldwell on Jan 10, 2012 8:29 PM EST up reply actions

Is Marty interviewing there?

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Jan 10, 2012 9:57 PM EST up reply actions

no, I think for Tampa

"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"

by ticalcaldwell on Jan 10, 2012 10:14 PM EST up reply actions

agree

by Mulchman on Jan 10, 2012 9:08 PM EST up reply actions

Well some good news related to our coordinators

ESPN is reporting Jay Gruden decided to remain with the Bengals:

Zimmer will be dependant on where Fisher goes. Ok Marvin, get some Defensive Coordinators on the phone, ASAP. Example Jack Del Rio and Steve Spagnoula(not sure how to spell :)

by C1ncy4Life on Jan 10, 2012 7:10 PM EST reply actions

I think if he's getting a HC job this year

Miami is the one. Don’t underestimate that zim is a parcells guy and parcells is still a very close confidant of Stephen Ross and jeff Ireland.

by brandone on Jan 10, 2012 7:12 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I hate to lose Zim but at the same time

The guy deserves his shot. I mean, it’s not fair that he continues to trot out top 10 defensive units consistently and not be in the discussion for a HC job.

Marvin needs to find a good DC to replace him though. Del Rio and Spagnoula(Del Rio seems a better fit).

by C1ncy4Life on Jan 10, 2012 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't mind seeing Del Rio here

I think he could do some interesting things

AJ Green = Optimus Prime

by Helmsy on Jan 10, 2012 7:33 PM EST up reply actions

spags is talking about taking a year away from football

"the bengals are not a west of the 104 longitude team."

by palewook on Jan 10, 2012 7:37 PM EST up reply actions

marvin for gm - zimmer for hc

"the bengals are not a west of the 104 longitude team."

by palewook on Jan 10, 2012 7:36 PM EST reply actions

That would be my pick.

by redrifle14 on Jan 10, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions

+1

that is what we should have done this year!
- so make up for it and do it this year!

by Christian Gaarde Nielsen on Jan 11, 2012 8:33 AM EST up reply actions

IMO - Del Rio would be a great choice

by biggie22 on Jan 10, 2012 7:46 PM EST reply actions

I'd like him

or Mel Tucker who was the DC at Jax under Del Rio.

by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Jan 10, 2012 8:19 PM EST up reply actions

That Tucker sux

Del Rio fine

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Jan 10, 2012 9:58 PM EST up reply actions

I'll be happy for Zim no matter what

I just hope if it’s going to happen it happens REALLY soon. I want us to have our pick of replacements if he leaves. Del Rio is on the top of that list.

But I have a feeling I’ll be a secret fan of whatever team Zim goes to if he leaves. He really is a fantastic coach and i’m really glad we’ve had him as long as we have.

by eric nyc on Jan 10, 2012 7:47 PM EST reply actions

+1

with ya on Del Rio…I like him too..I think him and Lewis would be a great pair…who knows….

"In a battle between patience and power, patience always wins"

by ticalcaldwell on Jan 10, 2012 8:28 PM EST up reply actions

Where ever you go Zimmer.

Just keep up the good work. You are top notch friend.

by TCfromDubVee on Jan 10, 2012 8:06 PM EST reply actions

I wish him the best of luck.

I don’t think anyone has a bad thing to say about him. Any team would be luck to have him.

by D-Day77 on Jan 10, 2012 8:15 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Will be interesting

when Miami comes to town next year, if he gets the job.

Watching Stanford Jennings kick return in the Super Bowl was the out of body experience of my sports life.

by txbengal29 on Jan 10, 2012 8:15 PM EST reply actions

If Zimmer goes

First – Good for him.

Second – a new DC combined with all the free agents on defense could signal a major overhaul from a schematic standpoint. Definitely be interested to see what would happen and I still have faith that the D will be solid. There is a some talent there.

by Cedric Benson Boat Party on Jan 10, 2012 8:18 PM EST reply actions

That's why I don't like Del Rio for the job.

He’s a good DC, but a good, young, rising team needs continuity, not change. Another coach from our defensive staff would be a better choice, IMO.

Andy Dalton: An American Hero

by Pardon_My_French on Jan 10, 2012 8:22 PM EST up reply actions

Our starting 11 could have as many as 5 new members next year

CB, SS, both outside linebacker spots, possibly a reshuffled starting D-line.

If anything, it might be the best POSSIBLE time to bring in a brand new DC.

by eric nyc on Jan 10, 2012 8:28 PM EST up reply actions

this year had

two new LBs, one new starting CB.

by occams_tiger_teeth on Jan 10, 2012 8:38 PM EST up reply actions

Well yeah...I'd love if we could land Mike ZImmer for next year

That guy did a pretty good job.

Just saying, if the argument against hiring from the outside is “we’ll have a bunch of new starters” then my counter-argument would be “we’ll have a bunch of new starters.”

by eric nyc on Jan 10, 2012 8:45 PM EST up reply actions

on defense there are two good young players

Atkins and Dunlap are those two.
Sims, if he stays, is solid but not a league leader.

The linebackers are unspectacular.
The defense backfield right now is a shambles.

Zimmer has done wonders with a lot of other teams’ castoffs. Imagine if he had high draft picks who weren’t discards.

by occams_tiger_teeth on Jan 10, 2012 8:37 PM EST up reply actions

Oh I'd love to give Zimmer a bunch of Pro Bowlers

Look at what Wade Phillips has done with Cushing, JJo, and Watts. Zimmer’s never had elite talent in his entire career. And he wont’ in Miami, either, if that’s where he goes. I’d love to see him take Dunlap and Atkins to the next level. Plus, hopefully, a top CB prospect.

by eric nyc on Jan 10, 2012 8:52 PM EST up reply actions

He's had elite talent at CB, for sure.

Of course, Mikey didn’t hang on to that talent, but still.

Andy Dalton: An American Hero

by Pardon_My_French on Jan 10, 2012 9:56 PM EST up reply actions

We have pro bowlers

JJo played for us and atkins, dunlap has more upside than cushing and watts. And don’t forget we have Johnson, Mays , Rey, Howard, Lawson, Rivers, Jones, Hall, Moch and Nelson, all high draft picks. Zimmer has plenty of elite talent on defense. If he stays for him to go in elite group of defensive coaches I believe he has to take 3 of the players listed above plus u can add whoever we take in 1st rd to list to elite level of PLAY. Top rankings are all fine and dandy but we have won zero playoff games with this defense. With close to 20 1st, 2nd, 3rd picks were supposed to be good. Give Zimmer the Ss he always wanted plus upgrade corner and I think the defense will be dominate.

by pray4gm11 on Jan 10, 2012 9:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

If he gets the job I hope they announce it soon.

That way we can get a jump on bringing guys in to interview.

by Bigcatdaddy on Jan 10, 2012 8:46 PM EST via Android app reply actions

Bengals blocked Coyle's interview with Philly last year

We should have lost Zimmer two years ago.

I suspect that Coyle is the in house candidate, and was told that last year.

A big schematic change is probably not in the cards.

by Skyhook on Jan 10, 2012 8:47 PM EST reply actions

I'm not so much worried about a scheme change...

As I am about an attitude change. Zimmer is a great tactician, but his real strength is in getting 110% out of his players. They love playing for him and they hate letting him down. Coyle might have a great X’s and O’s understanding of defense, but his unit always seems to be sloppy and undisciplined.

by eric nyc on Jan 10, 2012 8:49 PM EST up reply actions

Ever since Marvin has been here I would say our CBs has been the most consistant postion

so he probably has a lot of potential

AMAS

by AMAS85 on Jan 10, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions

Well that's been because he pretty much had Hall and JJo the whole time

Kiewan Raitliff? Deltha O’Neal? If we hadn’t drafted JJo I doubt anyone would ever say what you just said.

by eric nyc on Jan 10, 2012 9:08 PM EST up reply actions

Hall and JJoe were both polished by this staff.

Natural talents but neither one was perfect from the start.

by Cry on Jan 10, 2012 9:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

No.1 draft picks

Dude didnt do anything but ride there coatails,get real

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Jan 10, 2012 10:03 PM EST up reply actions

We started with Tory James and Deltha ONeal

Both of whom Marvin brought in. Then we drafted Hall and Joseph. Marvin can identify defensive talent.

It must be inordinately taxing to be such a boob. ~ The Brain

by jim0ijk on Jan 11, 2012 7:54 AM EST up reply actions

I replied to the wrong comment,

I was referring to Coyle
Yes Thats Marv’s strength Identifying talent,i would agree

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Jan 11, 2012 6:49 PM EST up reply actions

I'll give you Ratlif

But Delta Oneil and Torry James was actually a pretty damn good combination for a year or two before Hall and JJoe came along

by biggie22 on Jan 10, 2012 9:48 PM EST up reply actions

Medieu Williams (sp)

Wasw a pro bowler before he left in FA. as well.

"Next season will be better" circa 1990

by Yarin on Jan 10, 2012 9:56 PM EST up reply actions

This

Coyle is most likely the #1 candidate if Zimmer leaves.

by Oregonbengalsfan on Jan 10, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions

Goodluck Zim.

It’s inevitable we will lose him at some point. I wouldn’t mind seeing Coyle get that shot.
If nothing else I hope we get a DC who knows how to cover TE’s.

"Next season will be better" circa 1990

by Yarin on Jan 10, 2012 9:33 PM EST reply actions

I think Miami should hire Marty

Zimm should stay and be our Dick Lablow
Or maybe he returns after failure like Lablow did in Shittsburg

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Jan 10, 2012 10:07 PM EST reply actions

Little Marty Schottenhiemer fact

That I learned today. He has 22yrs of HC experience and only 2 were loosing seasons. One of the 2 was 7-9. That’s damn impressive.

by Bigcatdaddy on Jan 10, 2012 10:31 PM EST via Android app reply actions

He got Banned

for not winning the big one

"A team is more than a group of individuals,its a group of individuals that come together to make a team"

by keithp on Jan 10, 2012 10:32 PM EST up reply actions

I don't exactly follow baseball anymore but

I still root for the Reds of course.

@AdamRonis
Adam Ronis
Reds agree to deal with Ryan Madson.

by Oregonbengalsfan on Jan 10, 2012 11:02 PM EST reply actions

just got off the Dolphins board

nobody is even mentioning it, they are just happy Mularkey was hired by Jacksonville (so he wouldn’t be hired there), a couple of comments mention Chud, that seems to be who the fans want, but it’s not ringing a bell for me

by joeb69 on Jan 10, 2012 11:03 PM EST reply actions

Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski

by Oregonbengalsfan on Jan 10, 2012 11:08 PM EST up reply actions

ok

not a big follower of the Panthers, they did seem indifferent to disappointed that Gruden took himself out of the running, guess they were planning on bringing him in too

by joeb69 on Jan 10, 2012 11:10 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not either

I had to google “Chud NFL” lol

But I am not finding any articles that state the Dolphins are talking to Chud. However, probably more interesting to me out here in Oregon, I did find a report that says the Dolphins have contacted Oregon’s Chip Kelly’s agent.

by Oregonbengalsfan on Jan 10, 2012 11:19 PM EST up reply actions