When Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was being courted by the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there was a feeling that two of the team's candidates to replace Zimmer were defensive backs coach Mike Coyle and former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio. By the time Greg Schiano was announced as Tampa Bay's newest head coach, Zimmer was assured a return with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012 in the same capacity he's worked since 2008.
What's interesting isn't so much Zimmer's return -- save for an unexpected turn, we had expected it for well over a week. It's what happened afterwards.
Reports surfaced on Thursday that not only was Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano the second finalist for the head coaching job in Tampa Bay, he was negotiating with the team on a contract agreement. The five-year deal became official Thursday afternoon. The result of the agreement meant Zimmer was returning for the final year on a three-year deal he signed in 2010.
It also meant that the Bengals didn't need candidates to replace him. Defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle, who was in Miami the day that Schiano signed with Tampa Bay, finally agreed to terms to become Miami's defensive coordinator Friday morning. Several hours later Adam Schefter reported that Del Rio signed with the Broncos to become Denver's newest defensive coordinator.
After Schiano signed with the Buccaneers, ensuring Zimmer's return, it's not surprising that Coyle and Del Rio signed with their respective teams the next day. Mostly because they were the candidates to become Cincinnati's newest defensive coordinator.
0 recs | 9 comments
well
it’s nice to know Del Rio was waiting on Zimmer, hopefully it’s a sign that the Bengals are perceived differently now.
joeb69 - January 28, 2012
I think the league recognizes our future and wants to be a part of it
I love it….I have said this a hundred times already….think about our football mental state last year around this time….wow things have changed
ticalcaldwell - January 28, 2012
could be marvin and del rio respect each other
they did work together for 5 years or so in baltimore.
hopefully this means, if we lose zimmer some year, marvin can get del rio in here as an assistant head coach + defensive coordinator.
palewook - January 28, 2012
I agree
at the same time..I think this is a make or break year for the Marvin regime….His contract hasnt been extended and he is in the final year of his deal….I just think that Mikey is giving Marvin a chance to do something great now that we know the potential that we have….but who knows…they could announce a 5 year deal today….
ticalcaldwell - January 28, 2012
Zimmers contract hasn't either
So maybe he will be in lone for our next HC and Marv moves to the front office.
Helmsy - January 28, 2012
That would be something phenomenal!
Having Marvin Lewis as a GM and Zimmer as the HC would be awesome. I still have faith in Lewis and I would love to see Zimmer in the lead role.
Loyalty does play a factor in Mike Brown’s gameplan and this would be our BEST chance of actually having a GM. Having a REAL GM would open the door for future GM’s and put an end to Mike Brown’s cheap ass ways.
One can dream.
Bengal Bruce - January 28, 2012
Re: Greg Cook Arm vs Andy Dalton Arm
Just a guess. Maybe Greg Cook had a better Arm. Expand?!
Chili Dog - January 28, 2012
Agree here, if Marvin has another 4-12 season to follow up a playoff berth.......
at least we should be covered by being able to bump up Zim to HC. Hopefully we have another playoff year next year and Marvin finally moves into the front office, making way for Zim. Would be nice to go into that situation on a positive note and not because we failed miserably next year.
The Van Buren Boys - January 28, 2012
Mike Coyle?
You mean Kevin? :)
steve henderson - January 28, 2012 via mobile
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