Cincy Jungle - Black Monday '13: Head Coaches FiredWho Deyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48495/cincyjungle_fave.png2014-01-16T13:01:08-05:00http://www.cincyjungle.com/rss/stream/50206072014-01-16T13:01:08-05:002014-01-16T13:01:08-05:00Issues Facing Bengals With Mike Zimmer's Departure
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<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bengals have lost their star defensive coordinator to a head coaching position in Minnesota. Unfortunately, his departure leaves a lot of issues for the Bengals to sort through.</p> <p>The inevitable has happened. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, beloved by Bengaldom in his seven years in Cincinnati, has left for a head coaching job. Early Wednesday, it was announced that Zimmer took the vacant gig in Minnesota to head up the ailing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> and that was essentially that.</p>
<p>Almost every fan seems to be happy for "Zim" and wish him well in his new endeavor. After all, the coach has literally waited almost a lifetime for the opportunity and he couldn't pass it up, given how much he has done to deserve it. Much like the situation with the offensive coordinator job, the Bengals felt that <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/15/5311678/cincinnati-bengals-promote-paul-guenther-as-defensive-coordinator">they had/have a capable replacement in former linebackers coach Paul Guenther</a>. While that may be true, the outlook for 2014 seems a bit more shaky without Zimmer on staff for a variety of reasons.</p>
<h4>The Lack of Coordinator Experience With Guenther:</h4>
<p>The luxury that the Bengals had when Jay Gruden waltzed his way over to Washington D.C. for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>' head coaching job was that they had a guy with coordinator experience in Hue Jackson already on staff. The promotion was a natural one and some even believe that it might bring an uptick in offensive performance, though that has to actually play out on the field before that conclusion is drawn.</p>
<p>This was not the case with Zimmer's departure. The team's brain trust obviously thinks highly of Guenther and his nine years as one of the team's assistant coach (two years strictly with the linebackers group) as enough of a resume to promote him. There are some good bullet points on his application that warrant some optimism, but the fact of the matter is that Guenther has never been a coordinator on the NFL level. It's a huge undertaking and brings much more responsibility, so he had better be up to the task.</p>
<p>Cincinnati's <a href="http://www.bengals.com/news/article-1/Bengals-counting-on-continuity-in-wake-of-coordinator-raids/d89f70f0-6174-449c-a32c-1ace62ddaada">defensive players are saying the right things</a> about Guenther's promotion and many are confident because of his tutelage under Zimmer, but that's all ideology at this point. The talent level remains high, but the proof will be in the 2014 pudding and how the unit can perform without the old salty captain at the helm.</p>
<h4>The Michael Johnson Situation:</h4>
<p>One of the more important players on the Bengals team over the past two or three seasons has been defensive end, Michael Johnson. Since the failed experiment of trying Johnson at outside linebacker in 2010, the long-armed beast from Georgia Tech has become one of the most well-rounded ends in the NFL. He has amassed 21 sacks the past three seasons and is a force on the line with his patented batted balls, as well as the occasional interception (one each in the past three seasons).</p>
<p>Johnson was working on the franchise tag this year, after he balked at a long-term contract that ultimately went to Carlos Dunlap. It's very likely that we have seen the last of Johnson in a Bengals uniform because of the payday he will likely receive. While it might not be as big as the one-year franchise number or even the Dunlap-like deal, he'll get paid somewhere. And it very well might be in Minnesota with Zimmer.</p>
<p>Why? Well, simply put, <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/8/5288996/mike-zimmer-wants-michael-johnson-back-who-figures-to-be-a-top-free">Zimmer loves Johnson</a>. "I have a ton of respect for him," Zimmer said recently and followed it up with "he's very conscientious, he plays extremely hard". To say that that love is reciprocated would be a missve understatement. With Jared Allen getting up there in age and price, coupled with the Vikings looking to get younger, Johnson could be donning the purple and gold next season. While it's not devastating because the Bengals wouldn't face him often, it would still sting to lose one of your top free agents.</p>
<h4>The Production From Reclamation Defensive Backs:</h4>
<p>I shouldn't narrow this down to just the defensive backs, but that is where Zimmer's effect on re-tread players has seemed to have the biggest impact. Be it through trades that aren't often talked about, price-friendly free agent deals and/or draft picks, Zimmer has guys who were thought to be at the end of their NFL careers playing some darn good football.</p>
<p><span>Reggie Nelson</span>, <span>Adam Jones</span>, <span>Terence Newman</span>, <span>Taylor Mays</span> and <span>Chris Crocker</span> have all had career renaissances to some degree in Cincinnati. When news broke about Zimmer's departure, four out of those five spoke up on the huge impact that "Zim" had on their respective careers. Probably the best example of this comes with Crocker and his ability to step into Zimmer's defense off of the street and contribute heavily. Seeing as how Crocker is in his mid-30s, one would also need to give credit to the defensive back himself, but Crocker has been waving the Zimmer parade flag ever since they worked together in Cincy.</p>
<p>What's more, four out of those five (Jones, Newman, Nelson and Crocker) have all signed at least one more free agent deal to stay in Cincinnati after their initial contracts were up. You can say that Marvin Lewis had a hand in that and there is some truth there, but it goes unquestioned that Zimmer's presence pushed them to come back.</p>
<h4>Zimmer's Ability to Remove "Motor Issues":</h4>
<p>If you want to step away from the secondary, think back to the team's two stints on HBO's "Hard Knocks". Remember Zimmer's interaction with <span>Tank Johnson</span> in 2009 and <span>Devon Still</span> in 2013? Johnson was a good player who fell from grace because of off-field issues and Zimmer got him to be a solid contributor for almost two years. Still, who has yet to realize his potential was criticized in the draft for having effort lapses in college. His ability and build weren't questioned, but the other issues made teams shy away and the Bengals received a first round talent in the second. After their pow-wow on "Hard Knocks", you could tell that Still received a major wake-up call.</p>
<p>This area also plays into the defensive backs category above, but there are many other examples. The trifecta of Lewis, Zimmer and Guenther have worked wonders with Vontaze Burfict. So much so, that Burfict led the league in tackles and made the Pro Bowl for 2013--the same could be said with <span>Rey Maualuga</span> and the improved play we saw from him this season. What about the two above-mentioned defensive ends in Johnson and Dunlap? Those were their knocks in college and have come in to be uber-productive under Zimmer.</p>
<p>While Guenther had a hand in some of those examples, will he be able to consistently provide the same tough love and accountability that Zimmer did? We'll see.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/analysis/2014/1/16/5308654/issues-facing-the-bengals-with-mike-zimmers-departureAnthony Cosenza2014-01-15T10:19:43-05:002014-01-15T10:19:43-05:00Day two of Mike Zimmer watch begins
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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 Kirkendall2014-01-14T16:05:20-05:002014-01-14T16:05:20-05:00Cardinals DC Bowles Removes Name From Browns' List
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<p>The Cleveland Browns have seemingly lost out on yet another head coaching candidate on their list.</p> <p>Cue the rock anthem hit by Queen, "Another One Bites The Dust". The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> are in full scramble mode to find their next head coach. After turning over quite a few rocks, the team continues to come up empty as it goes down the list of their potential candidates.</p>
<p>A few days ago, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, rumored to be the Browns' top choice, <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/afc-north/2014/1/8/5288702/patriots-offensive-coordinator-josh-mcdaniels-takes-himself-out-of-browns-bengals">politely said "no, thanks</a>". Cleveland then set their sights on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and he gave a similar response, per a report on Tuesday.</p>
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<p>Cardinals DC Todd Bowles has told the Browns to withdraw his name from their list of HC candidates, source tells <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSports1">@FOXSports1</a>.</p>
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/statuses/423194212754919424">January 14, 2014</a>
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<p>Bowles headed an Arizona defensive unit that ended up with a No.6 overall ranking and was credited for the development of rookie cornerback, Tyrann Mathieu. He has been a coach in the NFL for some time, but his bigger roles with clubs really happened around 2008 when he was named the Assistant Head Coach in Miami with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a>. He was the interim coach there in 2011 and then bounced to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> and then ended up in Arizona.</p>
<p>Aside from being a finalist for the Browns job, Bowles drew interest from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/14/5308142/vikings-very-likely-to-hire-mike-zimmer-on-tuesday">who seem to be zeroing in</a> on <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. If Zimmer takes the Minnesota job, the Cleveland vacancy will be the only remaining job in the NFL.</p>
<p>Sources believe that the Browns could start looking harder in the college ranks for their next coach now that two prominent NFL assistants have spurned the opportunity.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/afc-north/2014/1/14/5308918/cardinals-defensive-coordinator-todd-bowles-withdraws-name-fromAnthony Cosenza2014-01-14T12:42:20-05:002014-01-14T12:42:20-05:00Vikings "very likely" will hire Zimmer today
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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 Kirkendall2014-01-14T12:33:24-05:002014-01-14T12:33:24-05:00Detroit Lions hire Jim Caldwell
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<figcaption>Andy Lyons</figcaption>
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<p>Head coaching vacancies are beginning to be filled around the league.</p> <p>And there goes another.</p>
<p>As we sit uncomfortably waiting for news on Mike Zimmer's future, whether that's in Cincinnati or Minnesota, the Detroit Lions have hired Jim Caldwell to become their newest head coach, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.</p>
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<p>Detroit Lions are hiring Jim Caldwell as their head coach, per a league source.</p>
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/statuses/423141936958930944">January 14, 2014</a>
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<p>Zimmer wasn't connected to Detroit, who had lost the Ken Whisenhunt sweepstakes to the Tennessee Titans, who actually were connected to Zimmer.</p>
<p>Caldwell was the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts for three seasons before he was fired in 2012. Since then he's been in Baltimore, first as a quarterback's coach and then as an offensive coordinator.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/14/5308072/detroit-lions-hire-jim-caldwell-as-their-next-head-coachJosh 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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<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 Kirkendall2014-01-13T18:32:22-05:002014-01-13T18:32:22-05:00Tennessee Titans Hire Ken Whisenhunt As Head Coach
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<p>One of the bigger-named assistant coaches took the vacant Tennessee Titans head coaching job on Monday.</p> <p>And then there were three. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> have quietly sat around waiting for the right head coaching candidate to emerge from the playoff rubble and have found their man. According to the ESPN Insider duo of Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen, former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> offensive coordinator has accepted the job as the new head coach in Tennessee.</p>
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<p>From <a href="https://twitter.com/mortreport">@mortreport</a> and me: Ken Whisenhunt has accepted an offer to become the next coach of Tennessee Titans.</p>
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/statuses/422868853840822272">January 13, 2014</a>
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<p>Whisenhunt was largely credited for the major rebound of a season put forth by <span>Philip Rivers</span> in 2013. The San Diego quarterback posted one of his best statistical seasons while also leading the team to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The offense appeared to do a one-eighty under Whisenhunt in just a year removed from the Norv Turner era.</p>
<p>The Titans decided to part ways with Mike Munchak after three seasons at the helm. It seemed to be a reluctant decision by the team, given that most other coaches that were fired came much earlier than the announcement of Munchak's departure. Some reports have said that Munchak is now on the radar of the Cleveland Browns' job.</p>
<p>The new head coach of the Titans rose to prominence with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> in the mid-2000s and oversaw the early development of Ben Roethlisberger. In 2007, Whisenhunt took over as the head coach of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, where he led them to two playoff berths in six seasons, one of which was a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> appearance. He was relieved of his duties after the 2012 season.</p>
<p>Known as a quarterback guru, the Titans are undoubtedly hoping for some "Whiz" magic to rub off on soon-to-be fourth-year quarterback, Jake Locker. Some believe that Tennessee will be in the market for another quarterback in this May's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. It's unclear who the Chargers will look to hire as their next offensive coordinator with Whisenhunt's departure.</p>
<p>The taking of the Titans coaching job leaves three that remain open: the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> are still searching for their next man to head up their respective teams. As we reported earlier on Monday, Zimmer appears to be <a href="http://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/13/5305256/vikings-honed-in-on-zimmer">the leading candidate for the Minnesota job at the moment</a>.</p>
https://www.cincyjungle.com/2014/1/13/5305706/ken-whisenhunt-accepts-tennessee-titans-head-coaching-jobAnthony Cosenza