Bengals Coordinators Becoming Forgotten Candidates Among Head Coach Vacancies

Black Monday has come and gone but the affects remain. Seven head coaches and five general managers were fired on struggling teams searching for answers to questions with new leadership. Teams are now scheduling interviews and gathering information regarding potential head coaching candidates, which includes the possibility of Cincinnati's coordinators Mike Zimmer and Jay Gruden.

Currently the hot candidates appear to be Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and special teams coordinator Keith Anderson, Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. College coaches such as Oregon's Chip Kelly, Syracuse's head coach Doug Marrone and Penn State Bill O'Brien are mentioned as possibilities for several franchises. Then there's the consideration of former NFL head coaches like Lovie Smith, Andy Reid, Jon Gruden and Ken Wisenhunt quickly finding work after being fired on Monday.

Needless to say that after 24 hours, neither Bengals coordinator has been mentioned in much capacity. Here's a quick run-down of the seven teams looking for head coaches and where they currently stand.

Soon after Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey was fired, reports surfaced that Buffalo have began gathering information regarding Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. In the meantime, they've scheduled an interview with Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone, as well as Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, former Bears head coach Lovie Smith is very interested in the Bills job.

The Arizona Cardinals are seeking an interview with former Eagles head coach Andy Reid and current Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. There are also expectations that Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton, former Bengals player (second-round pick in 1983 and six seasons) and coach (1997-01) could be a heavy candidate as well, considering Arizona kept most of their defensive staff. Lovie Smith is reportedly very interested also.

The Chicago Bears have already permissions to interview Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Falcons special teams coach Keith Armstrong, replacing the fired Lovie Smith. Armstrong is also set to interview with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hours after head coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert were fired on Monday, rumors surfaced about Cleveland's interest with Penn State coach Bill O'Brien and Chip Kelly, reportedly at the top of Cleveland's list. In the meantime the Cleveland Browns are scheduled to interview Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, as well as Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone.

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking hard at two Falcons coordinators, scheduling interviews with Atlanta offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and special teams coach Keith Armstrong.

As we pointed out earlier this morning, the Philadelphia Eagles early five-man candidates on owner Jeff Lurie's list at this point are Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians and Oregon coach Chip Kelly.

Maybe a year late but the San Diego Chargers finally fired head coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith on Black Monday. San Diego hired former Packers general manager as a hiring consultant and the Chargers are reportedly interested in Indianapolis Colts coordinator Bruce Arians. Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Wisenhunt is also reportedly interested in the head coaching vacancy, according to Kevin Acee of the Union-Tribune.