Bengals retain tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes, per report

The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly retained another coach.

According to Sporting News reporter Alex Marvez, the Bengals are keeping tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes. This news comes in light of the Bengals also keeping offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons, and running backs coach Kyle Caskey but parting with offensive line coach Paul Alexander.

Hayes, who was an NFL tight end for 12 seasons for the Chiefs and Steelers, just finished his 15th year as Bengals tight ends coach. Additionally, he has also worked in recent seasons to make the h-back position a key part of the Cincinnati offense, which has led to the emergence of Ryan Hewitt.

Hayes helped develop tight end Tyler Eifert into a Pro Bowl selection in the 2015 season, and likely would have been selected in 2016 as well had he not missed half the season due to injuries.

In 2015, Eifert had one of the most productive seasons by a tight end in franchise history. Despite missing nearly four full games due to injury, Eifert scored 13 touchdowns, a Bengals tight end record, and he finished just one off the overall NFL lead for scores.

Hayes also helped develop Tyler Kroft into a solid starter for the Bengals in 2017 with Eifert missing most of the season. In 16 games this past season, Kroft recorded career-highs in catches (42), yards (404) and touchdowns (seven), the last being the sixth-most in the NFL by any tight end in 2017.

Hayes coached with his older brother, Jay, on the Bengals staff from 2003-15. Jay, a defensive line coach, moved to the Buccaneers in 2016.

Sweeping changes are being made throughout this roster and coaching staff, but Hayes earned the right to remain in Cincinnati.