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With the Cincinnati Bengals eliminated from the postseason, assistant coaches are eligible to interview for possible head coaching vacancies around the NFL. Many regard this as a blessing with offensive coordinator Jay Gruden but are equally concerned about the possibility of losing defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
According to Mark Maske with the Washington Post, the Washington Redskins have formally requested permission to interview Gruden and Zimmer.
Redskins have asked permission to interview Jay Gruden, Mike Zimmer for head coaching job, source says. Story soon... http://t.co/6p47PEHGtb
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) January 6, 2014
However, according to Jason La Canfora, Gruden could be a leading candidate in Washington.
Redskins general manager Bruce Allen has told others he plans to interview 10-12 candidates for his coaching opening, then re-interview two-or-three finalists. Several of the most intriguing candidates are not eligible to be explored until this week with their teams playing in the divisional round. Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is among the top names on their list, sources said, and Allen's relationship working with Gruden's older brother, Jon, could end up being a positive factor in the process.
La Canfora adds that four teams have officially requested permission to interview Gruden.
Four teams requested permission to interview Jay Gruden shortly after CIN loss last night, sources said - Skins, Vikings, Lions and Titans
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 6, 2014
The Titans are especially interesting.
Ruston Webster is the Titans general manager and will have some input as the team decides their future with a new team president and CEO. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden was an offensive assistant when Webster was in Tampa Bay from '04-05, so there's a connection.
Gruden has confirmed three of the interview requests.
Gruden says Vikings. Titans and Redskins have requested permission #Bengals
— Joe Reedy (@joereedy) January 6, 2014
According to another report, Zimmer could be headed to Minnesota for an interview. The Vikings are also reportedly interested in Gruden. Zimmer has generated interest in Detroit, but according to multiple reports, that head coaching vacancy is offensive coordinator San Diego chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt's to lose. Whisenhunt will be allowed to interview in Detroit this week.