Along with quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, Bengals wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard was one of the team's likely internal candidates for offensive coordinator when the head coach Marvin Lewis dismissed Bob Bratkowski several weeks ago. Sheppard is going to be getting a new job, but not with the Bengals.
According to Joe Reedy, confirmed through Brad Johansen, Sheppard will be heading south to Jacksonville to take over as the Jaguars quarterback coach.
Sheppard was the Bengals wide receivers coach since 2007, after being the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers. Before joining the NFL, Sheppard's college resume includes offensive coordinator for California, Kansas and U.S. International.
During his stint with the Bengals, Sheppard oversaw a position that somewhat declined, though we hardly think it was completely his fault. Chad Ochocinco's career took a nosedive, though age is most likely the reason there. He also oversaw the development of Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson, both of whom finally took off at the end of the season.
Sheppard becomes the team's third assistant coach to leave the Bengals this offseason. Bratkowski was dismissed, replaced by Jay Gruden as the team's offensive coordinator. Assistant defensive backs coach, Louis Cioffi, is likely joining the Cardinals' defensive coordinator Ray Horton in Arizona. And now Sheppard.