Paul

Guenther

Guenther was fired as the Raiders’ DC before the end of this past season but now links back up with coach Mike Zimmer after the two spent 2008-13 together with the Bengals. Guenther actually replaced Zimmer as the Bengals’ DC when Zimmer was hired in Minnesota, so the two know each other well. It should be a seamless transition for Guenther.

DL coach Rod Marinelli will serve as the interim coordinator for the final three weeks of the season. It’s a desperation move from a team spiraling out of playoff contention, but that is not to say that Guenther’s defense has been performing well. Although lack of talent is the main issue, Guenther had witnessed his group give up 35-plus points three of the past four weeks, with the fourth featuring 28. The Raiders entered Week 14 28th in points allowed, with Guenther’s unit never finishing better than 24th in his three years alongside Jon Gruden. The Raiders came into Sunday ninth worst in defensive DVOA, and proceeded to let the Colts shred them via both land and air. An NFL coordinator since 2014, Guenther will likely have to settle for position coach work in 2021.

Lewis said the Bengals would like Guenther back, but his contract is up, and it appears Guenther will likely serve as Jon Gruden’s coordinator in Oakland, though Gruden has yet to officially be hired. Guenther’s defense was the strong suit in Cincinnati this season, finishing 18th in total yards, eighth against the pass, and 30th against the run. Guenther was with the team since 2005.

Guenther’s contract is up, and will not be renewed. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Guenther is the “leading candidate” to serve as Jon Gruden’s defensive boss in Oakland. Gruden’s hiring isn’t yet official, so it could be a while before we officially hear about Guenther’s next move. The Bengals’ coordinator since 2014, Guenther by and large did a strong job.

With former Bengals assistants installed in both cities, Guenther had drawn interest from Minnesota and Washington. However, NFL Network’s Albert Breer reports the Bengals “weren’t (going to) let him go.” That presumably means they weren’t going to grant him permission to interview. Either way, Guenther has ended up in a good spot. The Bengals’ LBs coach the past two seasons, Guenther has been on Marvin Lewis’ staff since 2005. He’s drawn raves for his work with the likes of Vontaze Burfict, and was ready for the next step on the coaching ladder. Although the Bengals are losing one of the league’s top assistants in Mike Zimmer, there shouldn’t be much of a drop off under Guenther in 2014.

Guenther is wrapping up his second season as the Bengals’ defensive boss after being promoted from LBs coach when Mike Zimmer left for Minnesota. Guenther was credited for WLB Vontaze Burfict’s rise from UDFA to 2nd-Team All-Pro, and the defense hasn’t missed a beat under his watch. Guenther will first interview for the Browns’ head-coach job on Sunday.

The interview will reportedly take place next week. It’s Guenther’s first-known interview request since replacing Mike Zimmer two years ago. With Geno Atkins back to full effectiveness, Guenther’s 2015 unit was much improved on last season. The Browns are casting a wide net as they look to replace Mike Pettine.

Out of contract, Guenther’s options are wide open. He will almost certainly be a candidate for the head coaching job in Cincinnati if Marvin Lewis and the Bengals decide to part ways, and it sounds like the coordinator job in Oakland is open to him if he is not able to land a lead job. Guenther has coordinated the Bengals’ defense the last four seasons.

The Raiders flirted with ex-Lions DC Teryl Austin, but he chose the Bengals instead. Although Guenther’s 2017 Cincinnati defense faded down the stretch in large part due to injuries, his units were consistently no worse than league average. In four years with Guenther coordinating, Cincinnati finished 14th (2014), 10th (2015), 17th (2016), and 17th (2017) in Football Outsiders’ defensive DVOA. Olson is best known for his work with young quarterbacks, namely Josh Freeman, Blake Bortles, and Sam Bradford, albeit with mixed results. He was also Derek Carr’s position coach during his 2014 rookie year and spent 2017 on the Rams’ staff working with Jared Goff.

Lewis and the Bengals are expected to mutually part ways after the season. Guenther is the leading in-house candidate to replace Lewis, though Redskins coach and former Bengals OC Jay Gruden would be the team’s top choice if available. Guenther’s contract expires after this year, so he could be headed elsewhere if he doesn’t get the Bengals’ head job.