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The Cincinnati Bengals may be targeting a former assistant to replace Marvin Lewis.
However, it may not be former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson that they’re targeting. Instead, it could be Jay Gruden who the team prefers to replace Lewis, according to a report from Ian Rapoport:
Grumors on @NFLGameDay: Jon Gruden is reaching out to possible assistants as many wonder if this year is different, while Jay Gruden is a top target for the #Bengals -- if available. pic.twitter.com/ZVvniD5nvr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2017
Gruden served as the Bengals’ offensive coordinator from 2011-13 before becoming the head coach in Washington. He’s actually had a productive career for a franchise that’s found it tough to have sustained success under owner Dan Snyder.
However, Gruden’s team is 6-8 this season after going 8-7-1 in 2016, so his seat is getting a little warm. Depending on how he finishes out these final two games, Washington may fire him in the offseason, or perhaps they’ll look to trade him for a draft pick to a team like Cincinnati.
Whatever happens, Gruden is now someone to keep an eye on in the Bengals’ coaching search.