The Chicago Tribute reported on Tuesday that Bengals quarterback coach Ken Zampese interviewed for the job as Bears offensive coordinator.
Multiple league sources said Bears coach Lovie Smith spent the day interviewing Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, who is known for his work with Carson Palmer.
Zampese has often been rumored for other jobs in the past. Before last season, he interviewed for offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and one rumor suggested that if Brian Schottenheimer leaves the New York Jets, Zampese would be a candidate for the job. In 2007, Zampese was considered for the offensive coordinator position in Carolina and Miami.
The Tribune writes that Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and owner Mike Brown "gave the Bears permission to interview Zampese." This should really bum out the anti-Bratkowski crowd -- aka 97.4% of Bengals fans. Consider that if Bratkowski was being let go, no way would they let a younger Zampese interview for another job when Zampese would be the ideal replacement because he knows personnel more than anyone outside the organization that could become the team's offensive coordinator. In other words, yes, I believe this is a solid indication, other than press conference statements, that Bratkowski will be in Cincinnati next season.
Zampese used to work on the St. Louis Rams coaching staff when Bears head coach Lovie Smith was the defensive coordinator.