We've known that Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is a candidate for the head coaching position for the Miami Dolphins. According to NFL Network Insider Jason La Canfora, Bengals Zimmer isn't just a candidate for the position, he's interviewing for the job on Monday.
Zimmer has been mentioned as a head coaching candidate for several seasons, but either didn't get the job or simply elected to stay in Cincinnati. Zimmer signed a three-year deal on January 12, 2010, which leaves one year remaining on his existing contract.
During the five seasons prior to Zimmer's arrival as a defensive coordinator, the Marvin Lewis era defenses with Leslie Frazier and Chuck Bresnahan all ranked 19th or worse.
When Zimmer joined the franchise in 2008, Cincinnati's defense improved from 27th in 2007 to 12th the following year. Since then Cincinnati's defense has ranked fourth, 15th and seventh from 2009 through 2011 respectively.
Of Zimmer's opportunity, head coach Marvin Lewis said that the Bengals will be nothing but supportive.
"We'll have a really good coaching staff. If Mike gets an opportunity, that would be fantastic. We'll do nothing but be very supportive with him in every opportunity he gets a chance at."