According to the Enquirer's Joe Reedy, Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals are in no hurry to hire a new defensive back coordinator. The position became available after former coordinator Kevin Coyle was hired as the defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins in late January. Coyle had been with the Bengals for the past 11 years, nine of which were spent as the defensive back coach. Coyle was a favorite among many players, most notably former player and current Pro Bowler Jonathan Joseph.
The Bengals allowed the ninth fewest passing yards per game during the 2011 season, however, the secondary undoubtedly still needs improvement and a valuable hire for the defensive backs coach position is vital. Marvin Lewis agrees, saying that there is no need to rush the process.
"It's just a matter of getting the right fit for our staff along with working with Mike Zimmer and the rest of the coaches and they feel good about it," Lewis said. "That's why we're taking the time and doing due diligence."
Per Geoff Hobson, the two front runners for the position could be current Bengals assistant defensive back coordinator Paul Guenther and Hall of Fame defensive back Rod Woodson. Woodson, who was a coaching intern at the 2010 Bengals training camp, was the cornerbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders last season but was let go at the end of the year along with the rest of the Oakland coaching staff. Woodson played for then defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis while with the Baltimore Ravens, a partnership which included a Super Bowl XXXV Championship.