Cincy Jungle - Cincinnati Bengals Coaches And Open NFL VacanciesWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2014-01-15T11:59:35-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/35851392014-01-15T11:59:35-05:002014-01-15T11:59:35-05:00Bengals DC Candidate: Jim Schwartz
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<figcaption>Jason Miller</figcaption>
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<p>The Cincinnati Bengals are tasked with replacing Mike Zimmer's big shoes with a new defensive coordinator. We take a look at an old friend that Marvin Lewis may hire.
</p> <p><i>[NOTE: Most of this posting is from previous stories with some new information] </i></p>
<p>Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and Jim Schwartz have a special relationship. When Lewis was hired as Baltimore's defensive coordinator in 1996, he hired Schwartz to coach the outside linebackers. Schwartz was fired in Baltimore by head coach Brian Billick, who wanted to hire Mike Smith to replace him. Lewis, who calls his former protege "Jimmy" during virtually every interview when Schwartz is the subject, was instrumental in getting him another job.</p>
<p>"Jimmy was out a job and so I did the same thing with Jeff and Greg in order to convince them to give Jimmy an opportunity to interview with them in Tennessee," said Lewis. "And then later they thanked me."</p>
<p>Within two years, Schwartz was the defensive coordinator of a unit that ranked in the top-ten during his final two years in Tennessee before his eventual promotion to head coach in Detroit.</p>
<p>If you've ever worked in corporate America, or virtually any job in the country, you've probably experienced someone in management hiring a friend to help them out.</p>
<p>Make no mistake, Lewis and Schwartz are friends.</p>
<p>"When you work together like we did you spend a lot of time together," Lewis said in Oct. "When you come from the bottom like we did you really grind together. You really are that close.</p>
<p>"He’s got a great family. My wife and I and our kids know their family really well, but none of that matters once you get to Sunday," said Schwartz the week of the Bengals and Lions game.</p>
<p>Knowing Lewis, who tends to stick with what he knows rather than adventuring out, it wouldn't be a shock if he tried helping out a friend in Schwartz.</p>
<p>However, not necessarily as a defensive coordinator.</p>
<p>Maybe the Bengals hire Schwartz, but stick with the likely promotion Guenther as the team's defensive coordinator. The promotion leaves a vacancy for Schwartz as a linebackers coach -- considering that he's coached linebackers at in Baltimore ('96-98), Tennessee ('00) and in college at Colgate ('92) and Maryland ('89), it's not far removed from a possibility.</p>
<p>This gives Schwartz an opportunity to stay on defense and rebuild his defensive resume, eventually finding a home as a defensive coordinator -- maybe he stays and replaces Guenther if he leaves. Or maybe he leaves for a vacancy in the NFL the next year. There's always a plan.</p>
<p>It wouldn't be unlike Hue Jackson, who returned to Cincinnati as an assistant defensive backs coach, sliding into the running backs coach before becoming an offensive coordinator earlier this week.</p>
<p>However, this scenario seems the most unlikely. According to Jason La Canfora, two weeks ago, Schwartz was receiving some looks at defensive coordinator in Cleveland once their head coaching search gets squared away.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/15/5311588/bengals-dc-candidate-jim-schwartzJosh Kirkendall2014-01-15T11:35:46-05:002014-01-15T11:35:46-05:00Bengals DC Candidate: Paul Guenther
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<p>The Cincinnati Bengals are tasked with replacing Mike Zimmer's big shoes with a new defensive coordinator. We look at the most logical selection.</p> <p><i>[NOTE: Most of this posting is from previous stories with some new information]</i></p>
<p>With Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer leaving for Minnesota as the Vikings newest head coach, the second-part of a two-part question is now asked: Who replaces him as the team's defensive coordinator?</p>
<p>The heavy favorite is linebackers coach Paul Guenther.</p>
<p>A veteran on Marvin Lewis' coaching staff, Guenther has been an assistant since 2005 working with special teams and linebackers before becoming the full-time linebackers coach in 2012.</p>
<p>Viewed as the next up-and-coming coach, he gained significant notoriety in 2012 when Thomas Howard tore his ACL. Guenther worked with rookie Vontaze Burfict for two days prior to the next game against the Cleveland Browns. They would study in a gym when the team completed their sessions to prepare the undrafted rookie. Burfict led the Bengals in tackles last year and was awarded to the Pro Bowl in 2013.</p>
<p>Guenther is also noted for helping develop undrafted free agent Emmanuel Lamur, who was projected as a starting linebacker this year before a season-ending shoulder injury wiped out his season. Much like he did with Burfict when Howard went down, Guenther spent day and night with Taylor Mays, converting him from a roster bubble at safety into a productive contributor as a hybrid linebacker.</p>
<p>Also consider that with Guenther, the Bengals won't have to change their philosophy, terminology and structure after spending the last six seasons under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. All the pieces and players are already in place, the Bengals essentially have an understudy replacing him, limiting the impact.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/15/5311534/bengals-dc-candidate-paul-guentherJosh Kirkendall2014-01-15T10:19:43-05:002014-01-15T10:19:43-05:00Day two of Mike Zimmer watch begins
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer returned to the Vikings headquarters on Wednesday, the second day of his second interview.</p> <p>Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer returned to Winter Park, the Vikings headquarters, on Wednesday.</p>
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<p>Mike Zimmer, Bengals Def. Coordinator, back at Winter Park this morning <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Vikings&src=hash">#Vikings</a> <a href="http://t.co/G15setcVn6">pic.twitter.com/G15setcVn6</a></p>
— KARE 11 (@kare11) <a href="https://twitter.com/kare11/statuses/423469895603347456">January 15, 2014</a>
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<p>It's his second day in Minnesota after undergoing a second interview with team's general manager Rick Spielman and ownership group.</p>
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<p>Mike Zimmer meeting again today with Vikings officials at Winter Park. We'll see if he gets a job offer today.</p>
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) <a href="https://twitter.com/christomasson/statuses/423469704250814465">January 15, 2014</a>
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<p>The general belief is that if Minnesota asks Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles for a second interview, or any of the San Francisco 49ers assistants that they've already interviewed, that Zimmer would be out. However, it still appears likely that the Bengals defensive coordinator is the top candidate.</p>
<p>It was originally believed that Zimmer was going to get the job on Tuesday. But after a full day of interviews, the Vikings haven't offered him the position.</p>
<p>According to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, discussions on Tuesday was "all positive from both sides". No offer is made, nothing firm, but Vikings progressively becoming optimistic that he's their guy.</p>
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<p>No job offer for Mike Zimmer from <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Vikings&src=hash">#Vikings</a>. But it was all positive from both sides. Lot of optimism that he’s the guy. But nothing firm</p>
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/statuses/423476875353022464">January 15, 2014</a>
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https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/15/5311270/mike-zimmer-returns-to-winter-parkJosh Kirkendall2014-01-14T23:36:08-05:002014-01-14T23:36:08-05:00Not even an offer yet
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<figcaption>Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>According to multiple reports, the Vikings haven't offered the head coaching vacancy to Mike Zimmer, but will extend his stay for another day.</p> <p>The Minnesota Vikings haven't made an offer to Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer for the team's vacant head coaching position, according to multiple reports.</p>
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<p>Just talked to briefly to Mike Zimmer About interview he said "It went fine'' I asked if he'd been offered the job & he said, "No not yet"</p>
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) <a href="https://twitter.com/christomasson/statuses/423308938981818369">January 15, 2014</a>
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<p>Spoke to Mike Zimmer briefly. Asked if he was offered the HC position, he said no. ...He's expected to remain in town Wednesday <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Vikings&src=hash">#Vikings</a></p>
— Master Tesfatsion (@MasterStrib) <a href="https://twitter.com/MasterStrib/statuses/423305945352245249">January 15, 2014</a>
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<p>Usually when an offer is made, negotiations take place. And if there's significant interest, that can break relatively quickly. Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles could receive a second interview, but Zimmer has clearly generated the most interest. Due-diligence is a justified point (checking, re-checking other candidates), but it's interesting how slowed the pace has become.</p>
<p>Zimmer arrived at the team's headquarters on Tuesday and is expected to stay throughout the day on Wednesday.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/14/5310272/vikings-havent-offered-mike-zimmer-the-job-yetJosh Kirkendall2014-01-14T12:42:20-05:002014-01-14T12:42:20-05:00Vikings "very likely" will hire Zimmer today
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Nothing is done nor set in stone, but the Vikings may hire Mike Zimmer later in the day on Tuesday.</p> <p>Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will "very likely" be hired by the Minnesota Vikings "later today", tweets CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora.</p>
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<p>Lions hired Jim Caldwell. Vikings very likely to hire Mike Zimmer later today. Would leave just the Browns, who want Gase as I've reported</p>
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/statuses/423146441436315648">January 14, 2014</a>
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<p>This doesn't mean it's a done deal by any means.</p>
<p>However, the conclusion makes sense.</p>
<p>Zimmer is currently in Minnesota conducting his second interview and he's the only known candidate having a second chat with the Vikings. Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was a reported finalist, but no second interview has been scheduled.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/14/5308142/vikings-very-likely-to-hire-mike-zimmer-on-tuesdayJosh Kirkendall2014-01-13T19:16:07-05:002014-01-13T19:16:07-05:00Zimmer had 2nd interview w/ the Titans on Monday
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer had a second interview with the Titans on Monday and is scheduled for a second in Minnesota on Tuesday.</p> <p>Prior to naming Ken Whisenhunt as their next head coach, the Tennessee Titans also conducted a <a href="https://twitter.com/jwyattsports/status/422882208785772544">second interview with Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer</a> in Houston, according to Titans beat writer Jim Wyatt with the Tennessean.</p>
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<p>Due diligence: Before landing Ken Whisenhunt, the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Titans&src=hash">#Titans</a> brought Bengals DC Mike Zimmer to Houston for a second interview today</p>
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/jwyattsports/statuses/422882208785772544">January 14, 2014</a>
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<p>Zimmer originally interviewed with the Titans on Thursday, a day after his initial chat with the Minnesota Vikings.</p>
<p>It was believed that with the Seattle Seahawks advancing to the AFC Championship game, the Titans would accelerate their decision to fill the head coaching vacancy.</p>
<p>Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was a favorite in Tennessee. After having not interviewed him this week, the Titans, per league rules, were prevented from an initial interview until after the Super Bowl, putting Zimmer back in play with Tennessee.</p>
<p>Zimmer is scheduled for a second interview in Minnesota on Tuesday. According to Ian Rapoport with the NFL Network, no other candidates are scheduled for a second, making it likely that it's Zimmer's job to lose.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/13/5305878/mike-zimmer-had-a-second-interview-with-the-tennessee-titans-on-mondayJosh Kirkendall2014-01-13T18:36:50-05:002014-01-13T18:36:50-05:00Mike Zimmer's second interview set for Tuesday
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<p>Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will conduct his second interview with the Vikings on Tuesday. </p> <p>Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator <a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/240005171.html">Mike Zimmer will be in Minnesota on Tuesday</a> to conduct his second interview, according to The <i>Star Tribune.</i> Along with Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, Zimmer will meet with Vikings ownership, including Zygi Wilf.</p>
<p>Zimmer is reportedly a leading candidate for the vacant head coaching position among a group of finalists that includes Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and a mystery candidate that's believed to be Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.</p>
<p>The Vikings have interviewed seven coaches so far, including San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who interviewed with Spielman on Saturday. As of this posting, Zimmer is the only confirmed candidate set to have a second interview.</p>
<p>There were erroneous reports on Monday that Zimmer would become the Vikings head coach. While all the tea leaves tend to point to that possibility, Zimmer wasn't in Minnesota Monday morning (when those reports surfaced) nor was his agent negotiating a contract.</p>
<p>Zimmer was also a candidate for the Tennessee Titans vacancy, but reports surfaced Monday evening that Ken Whisenhunt has been named the head coach. If the Vikings select someone other than Zimmer, then we can finally close the file regarding Zimmer's head coaching opportunities for another year.</p>
<p>Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Barry Switzer, who hired Zimmer in 1994 to be their defensive backs coach, vouches for his head coaching candidacy.</p>
<p>"He has all those attributes (to be a head coach)," <a href="http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_24903734/vikings-mike-zimmer-is-tough-and-good-former?source=nav">said Switzer via TwinCities.com</a>. "He's aggressive. He wasn't bashful or shy with his convictions about what he believed in and he had the ability and the talent to sell it, and in most cases he was right.</p>
<p>"I saw it every day, on the field and in staff meetings. He was totally immersed in football from the beginning and was recognized right away as a top defensive coach ... He had great knowledge and background. Immediately, you knew this guy was a football coach."</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/13/5305748/bengals-defensive-coordinator-mike-zimmers-second-interview-tuesday-vikingsJosh Kirkendall2014-01-13T09:20:13-05:002014-01-13T09:20:13-05:00Wins by 49ers, 'hawks may hasten Zimmer's future
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<figcaption>Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Because the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks won this weekend, the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings may accelerate their respective head coaching searches.</p> <p>Once the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, the Tennessee Titans faced a slight complication with their head coaching search after the team fired Mike Munchak earlier this month. Many believed that Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was an early favorite, but he still hasn't interviewed for the job in Tennessee. Per league rules, since no initial interview has happened with Quinn, he can't interview until after the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>There is, however, a rule that grants second interviews for candidates who have already interviewed with another team during the bye week between the league championship games and the Super Bowl, if that team is (obviously) playing in the big game. <i>[NOTE, by other team, meaning a second interview with the same team. So Coach A, who interviewed with Team A can do so again. However, Coach A can't interview with Team B if he hasn't interviewed there until after the Super Bowl.]</i></p>
<p>No one that Tennessee has actually interviewed remains in the playoffs. They've chatted with four candidates at this point, including defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Other interviews include San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt (favorite in Detroit), Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell and former Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, who is now the head coach with the Washington Redskins.</p>
<p>The question facing Tennessee is, how long are they willing to wait for Quinn and do they risk losing other candidates? SB Nation's Tennessee Titans site, <a href="http://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2014/1/12/5299998/titans-head-coaching-search-continues">Music City Miracles</a>, writes:</p>
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<p>Many of the same coaches are being looked at by the remaining teams, but the Titans are rumored to have a heavy interest in the Seattle coordinators, namely the defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. The rub here, however, is that the Seahawks' staff can't be interviewed until their season is over at this point. The Titans missed their window to interview the teams on a bye week last weekend, and now that the team has beat the Saints, there will be at least another week to their season.</p>
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<p>This keeps Mike Zimmer in play.</p>
<p>But for how long.</p>
<p>There is a belief that since the San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers, that the Minnesota Vikings could pull the trigger on Mike Zimmer soon. Zimmer is scheduled to have a second interview for the Vikings head coaching vacancy early this week and Fox Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer tweeted on Sunday that Zimmer might not leave Minnesota. Had the 49ers been eliminated, Minnesota's head coaching search would have between 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Zimmer.</p>
<p>Now if the Vikings want Roman, they'll have to wait until the bye week between the conference championship and the Super Bowl -- they interviewed him already, therefore the above rule allows for a second chat. If the Titans want Quinn, they have to wait until the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>Since resolution for Cincinnati's defensive coordinator is becoming a waiting game with a little risk being applied, how long will Zimmer go without being named as a head coach with a team that's looking at other coordinators to make their final selection?</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/13/5303650/wins-by-the-49ers-and-seahawks-may-accelerate-mike-zimmers-futureJosh Kirkendall