Bengals

Defense

He ran the Raiders during the AFC West championship run from 2000-2002. He spent this season as an assistant under Marvin Lewis.

We had an inkling that was the case, as the original report was never verified. Once the Dolphins job was filled, the Bengals never seemed concerned about losing Zimmer. He’ll return to Cincinnati as one of the most highly respected assistants in the game for the 2012 season.

Zimmer may never receive a legitimate head-coaching opportunity due to his fiery temper and foul language, but he has been a godsend to Cincinnati’s defense. Taking over as coordinator in 2008, Zimmer’s units have improved from 12th in the league in yardage allowed (2008) to seventh in 2012. Zimmer turned 56 last month. With major problems in the secondary, Zimmer will count on a deep, talented front seven to spark Cincinnati’s 2012 defense.

Lewis’ deal follows recent extensions for DC Mike Zimmer and OC Jay Gruden. Cincinnati’s coach since 2003, Lewis was entering a walk year. The longest-tenured head man in Bengals history, Lewis is just 69-74-1 lifetime, but has led the Bengals to three playoff appearances, and was the Associated Press’ Coach of the Year in 2009. His accomplishments are impressive considering owner Mike Brown’s spendthrift ways. It’s a smart move for the Bengals.

He will pass ex-Cardinals and Vikings coach Dennis Green as the longest serving African-American head coach with one club this season. Lewis and owner/GM Mike Brown haven’t talked contract lately. The only coach to manage even a modicum of success under one of major U.S. sports’ least successful owners, Lewis is overdue for a lucrative commitment from the Bengals. He sports a 69-77-1 (.473) record in Cincinnati compared to a combined 55-149 (.270) for all other coaches under Brown.

New England is second, with Seattle and San Diego next. It’s a good sign that Marvin Lewis’ philosophies are beginning to take hold.

The Bengals still can’t stop the run, but they have a promising young nucleus of defenders. It’s an attractive job.

Zimmer was hired as the Vikings new head coach Wednesday. He reportedly may consider bringing Guenther along with him to Minnesota as DC, and the Bengals can’t do anything to block him. The decision will be up to Guenther. Guenther has done a tremendous job with Emmanuel Lamur, Vincent Rey, and Vontaze Burfict over the past couple seasons. Burfict credits Guenther for his heightened football IQ. Guenther began working for Marvin Lewis in 2002.

An announcement isn’t expected this weekend, but Zimmer could be introduced by as early as Monday. Zimmer knows both the 3-4 and the 4-3. The Bengals are considering a switch to the former scheme in 2008.

Zimmer is working on his playbook, and says that even if they don’t make a full switch, the team plans on at least sprinkling in some 3-4 looks. Adding size to the front seven is among the Bengals’ top offseason priorities.