Now that Marvin Lewis wil be out in Cincinnati after 15 seasons, the Bengals’ brass will be conducting a head coach search for just the second time this millennium.
Those who expect the Bengals to look outside the organization for a replacement might be sorely mistaken. According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, two in-house coaches have emerged as potential candidates to replace Lewis.
This has been brewing for months. Internal promotion makes sense given how #Bengals operate. DC Paul Guenther another logical option. https://t.co/Fv4X5rDFKb
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 17, 2017
Paul Guenther has been the Bengals’ defensive coordinator since 2004 and joined the team all the way back in 2005 as an assistant coach. Meanwhile, special teams coach Darrin Simmons has been with the team since 2003.
To some, this would make absolutely no sense. Why not blow it all up and start anew? Cincinnati is 5-8 on the season and the culture within this organization seemingly needs to be changed. Hiring one of two long-time Lewis assistants likely wouldn’t change said culture.
On the other hand, this would fit in with the MO of the Bengals’ franchise. It’s something to think about as the Bengals begin their head coach search, likely immediately.