Washington Post: LB Coach Paul Guenther could leave for Washington

According to the Washington Post, along with local reports and general obviousness, if Mike Zimmer leaves for the vacant head coaching position in Minnesota, the Cincinnati Bengals will promote linebacker coach Paul Guenther as their new defensive coordinator.

This much we've concluded on our own.

However, Guenther could follow Jay Gruden to Washington if Zimmer stays, writes the Washington Post.

That person said Guenther would be in line to join the Redskins’ coaching staff if Zimmer stays in Cincinnati. The person described Guenther as a potential defensive coordinator for the Redskins.

Maybe it happens.

But we doubt it.

Because Guenther is signed through '14, Cincinnati would have to release him from his current contract. Knowing that they value their up-and-coming coaches like they do, while having the defensive coordinator of the future on staff whenever Zimmer leaves, I can't see the Bengals allowing it.

They have a history of blocking these type of opportunities, preventing interviews with previous position coaches who were generating interest for coordinator positions. Three years ago, the Philadelphia Eagles were interested in interviewing defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle for their vacant head coaching position. A year later, they allowed Coyle to chat with the Miami Dolphins, who eventually hired him to become their next defensive coordinator.

I just don't see Guenther leaving.