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There has been some confusion regarding Paul Guenther and whether or not he can follow Mike Zimmer or Jay Gruden, who are the newest head coaches for the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins respectively.
Per league rules, coaches that are under contract are not allowed to sign with another team, unless the original team allows it. We continue to cite the team's history regarding Kevin Coyle, Cincinnati's defensive backs coach at the time, who was blocked from interviewing for the vacant Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator position in '11. A year later, they allowed the interview for defensive coordinator in Miami and he left.
However, per ESPN Coley Harvey and ESPN Insider Adam Caplan, there is language in Guenther's contract that would prevent the Bengals from blocking Guenther's opportunities with another team.
#Bengals can't block Guenther from leaving to take the #Vikings DC job, per source.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 15, 2014
Due to recent changes in Guenther's contract RT @caplannfl #Bengals can't block Guenther from leaving to take #Vikings DC job, per source
— Coley Harvey (@ColeyHarvey) January 15, 2014
We find it difficult to believe that Guenther would leave a sweet opportunity with a top-five defense in Cincinnati -- a perfect chance to build an impressive resume.
If he does leave Cincinnati, figure that the Bengals will start searching outside of the organization.