Joe Robbins - Getty Images
9 months ago: CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 1: Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer argues with head linesman Kent Payne #79 during an NFL preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Paul Brown Stadium on September 1, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Colts won 17-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer interviewed with the Miami Dolphins earlier this week for the head coaching position that was vacated following the team's decision to fire Tony Sparano in mid-December. Though no moves have yet been made, much of what we expected to unfold started with the first domino falling on Friday following Jeff Fisher's decision to join the St. Louis Rams.
The announcement prompted growing speculation that Zimmer could be the front-runner for the position and he's doing everything he can to impress Miami enough for another look.
According to NFL Network Insider Jason La Canfora, Zimmer had a great interview with the Dolphins and "could" be asked back for another.
@JasonLaCanfora
Jason La CanforaHear a strong buzz about Mike Zimmer's interview in Miami. May get asked back. Also, Fins mulling interview for Mike McCoy #insideslant
1 hour ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® · powered by @socialditto
If the Bengals lose Zimmer to Miami, Cincinnati will have to go on a defensive coordinator search -- one we hope is already being made as a contingency that Zimmer is hired by Miami.
0 recs | 20 comments
As much as I do NOT want him to go
Part of he hopes he gets a chance to be a HC because I definitely think he deserves the opportunity
biggie22 - January 14, 2012
Sounds like he just might get it...............
Del Rio, stand by!
The Van Buren Boys - January 14, 2012
Am I the only one who doesn't really think this is a huge deal?
I love Zimmer for what he’s done with this defense. He’s completely changed the attitude. But the thing is, now that he’s gotten the ball rolling, I think a lot of people could step in for him and keep it going.
Not a lot of guys can do what he did in ‘08 when he came here. But guys who can do what he’s doing at the moment are easy to find.
sexsalad - January 14, 2012
I actually agree with u
biggie22 - January 14, 2012
Agreed..........
I think with what we currently have on the defensive side of the ball, most coaches should be successful with that much talent. I think he did a lot in the last couple years when we were pretty thin, but I think if we bring in a guy like Del Rio we won’t miss a beat. Not downplaying what he built, but I think it’s a pretty good opportunity for a D coordinator to take over this group.
The Van Buren Boys - January 14, 2012
Afraid of change
Your right, it might be easy for someone to come in and keep things going/ride the momentum. Hell, maybe even make us better, BUT they could come in and just destroy things. Zim is a great coach, keeps us in the top 10 in defense and that’s good enough for me. I really want him to stay but it is what it is. Hey Marv!! Get DelRio on the phone ;-)
Bigcatdaddy - January 14, 2012 via Android app
I'd be a little more worried if we let someone who doesn't have a lot of experience take over....
but a guy like Del Rio, we’ll at least maintain where we are if not take the next step.
The Van Buren Boys - January 14, 2012
I agree. Been saying it for awhile
He deserves a shot to be a HC. As for the Bengals, I love Zimmer but his defense is always solid, never dominant and I want dominant.
Mexal - January 14, 2012
Thoughts on Kevin Coyle as DC....
He has been with the team for 9 years. Coyle has done well without a consistent secondary. The Eagles wanted to talk to him last year about a DC job before they moved Juan Castillo over but MB said “NO” in an ultimate classy move.
Hallo104 - January 14, 2012
I'm glad Zimmer is getting the opportunity to be a HC
But I’m also cringing at the fact that for some reason I think Coyle will get the DC job since hes been here for a while. He may turn out to be a great DC but the fact that we don’t know is always risky.
Tampa_Bengal - January 14, 2012
I'm still thinking it will be Del Rio
biggie22 - January 14, 2012
if miami hires zimmer for HC
how odd would it be for hue jackson to land in miami as the offensive coordinator..
palewook - January 14, 2012
Greg Williams' contract
is up at the end of this season. Might end up in St. Louis, but I don’t think there would be in harm in taking a look at him if Zim does, in fact, take one of the open HC positions.
whodeycommish14 - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
any harm*
whodeycommish14 - January 14, 2012 via iPhone app
Enough already
If deal gets done it better be done prior to the Super Bowl. This will allow:
- Jack Del Rio to find a nice house in the Cincinnati area before March 1.
- both teams to entice certain FA’s with defensive philosophies.
- get the Bengals focused totally on the upcoming season.
david in upstate SC - January 14, 2012
Coyle or Del Rio
or move Marvin to DC, and hire Schottenheimer to head coach.
txbengal29 - January 14, 2012
Good luck Zim... Hello Jack
Ya gotta root for a guy like Zimmer… This team comes 1st tho… Del Rio brings the same toughness which must be maintained…
olbuzz - January 14, 2012 via mobile
everyone seems to want Del Rio
But does the Reggie Nelson element not worry anyone?
kacymcbryant18 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Right....
What makes people think Jack will even take a DC job somewhere next season? Not going to happen in my eyes.
whodeycommish14 - January 15, 2012 via mobile
Jack has a bad reputation with his players.
I wouldn’t want him. Promote from within or find a gem.
Cincinnati222 - January 15, 2012 via mobile
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