Bengals interview Utah o-line coach Jim Harding; David Lippincott leaves for Raiders

The Cincinnati Bengals continue to evaluate candidates to be the team’s next offensive line coach.

That includes prospective coaches in both the pros and college ranks. We already know Bengals consultant Jim McNally is a candidate for the job. Now, a candidate from the college ranks has emerged.

According to Sporting News reporter Alex Marvez, the Bengals have interviewed Utah Utes assistant Jim Harding for this vacancy. Marvez also reports that Bengals assistant David Lippincott is leaving to become the linebackers coach for the Oakland Raiders.

Lippincott was hired as a defensive quality coach back in 2011. He previously served as a coaching assistant from 2008-10 before his promotion. It sounds like he was ready for a promotion, something the Raiders were willing to give him.

Harding has an extensive offensive background in the college ranks, including the last four seasons as Utah’s offensive line coach. He also served as a co-offensive coordinator from 2015-16, then was promoted to assistant head coach in 2017 while giving up his coordinator title.

Before coming to Utah, Harding coached five seasons at Wyoming (2009-13). He served as the Cowboys’ co-offensive line coach his first four seasons. He was also the run game coordinator in 2012.

In 2013, Harding was promoted to co-offensive coordinator while taking sole control of the offensive line. The Cowboys finished 22nd in the country in total offense that season, averaging 472.7 yards a game.

Harding is a candidate to replace Paul Alexander, who was let go after coaching over two decades with the Bengals.