:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68658043/462044983.0.jpg)
As the Cincinnati Bengals continue to round out their staff for next season, perhaps the biggest job left to fill is the defensive line coach.
It appears they have a name in mind, as James Rapien reports that the Bengals will interview Andre Carter to be their next defensive line coach. Rapien adds the interview is set to take place next week.
Carter, who has coached the New York Jets’ defensive line for the last two seasons, will be entering just his fifth season as coach in 2021 after previously breaking into the coaching ranks as the Miami Dolphins’ assistant defensive line coach from 2017-18.
You may remember Carter from his playing days, as he was a defensive end/3-4 outside linebacker for 13 seasons from 2001-13. He spent five years apiece with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Football Team while also having brief stints with the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders.
Carter finished his career with 80.5 sacks, which rank 75th all-time in the NFL. He also totaled 517 tackles, 115 tackles for loss, 28 pass deflections and 18 forced fumbles in 184 career games (147 starts). He actually holds the Patriots record for sacks in a game (4.0).
The Bengals just hired Frank Pollack as the team’s new offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Pollack had been with the Jets since 2019, so he obviously has a connection to Carter that could help him get the job.