NFL Rumors: Josh McDaniels declines Bengals’ coaching interview request

Josh McDaniels has options if he wants to pursue a head coaching job. He'd rather the Cincinnati Bengals not be one of them.

The New England Patriots offensive coordinator declined an offer from the Bengals to interview for their head coach opening, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Thursday.

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If you’re wondering when Josh McDaniels’ interview with the #Bengals is happening, it apparently won’t. Source says McDaniels is passing on Cincy’s request.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 3, 2019

That might be a smart move, considering the Bengals are coming off their third straight losing season and just parted ways with longtime head coach Marvin Lewis. Cincinnati reportedly is expected to interview Hue Jackson -- who joined the team in November after a horrible tenure with the Cleveland Browns -- among other candidates, but won't have the chance to pitch McDaniels.

The 42-year-old Patriots assistant can afford to be picky: He'll reportedly interview for the Green Bay Packers' head coach opening Friday and also has been linked to the Browns' vacancy, although Cleveland has yet to request an interview with him. Both teams would present better landing spots than Cincy, which hasn't won a playoff game since 1990 and shows no immediate signs of turning things around.

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