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The Jack Del Rio dream is still alive.
After recent reports of Cincinnati targeting Dom Capers emerged, it seemed like a sign that the Del Rio ship had sailed.
Not so, as the Bengals will interview Del Rio this week, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero:
With Zac Taylor officially becoming #Bengals head coach, his staff is crystallizing: Brian Callahan as OC. Darrin Simmons staying as special teams coordinator. Nothing firm on DC, but one name to watch is Jack Del Rio, who likely will interview this week.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 4, 2019
Del Rio spent the last three years of his coaching career with the Raiders as their head coach. Before then, he was the Broncos’ defensive coordinator for three years, the head coach of the Jaguars for nine years, and the defensive coordinator for the Panthers for one year.
In his four total seasons as a defensive coordinator, Del Rio’s units were in the top five in total defense three times and top five in points allowed twice.
That’s a far cry from the recent success (or lack thereof) with Capers, who is also being courted by other teams, though as a senior defensive assistant. To this point, Cincinnati has been the only team reportedly considering Capers as a defensive coordinator.
It goes without saying that Del Rio would be a much better hire than Capers. Time for the Bengals to get it done.