Bengals are acting like they knows who their 2019 coach is
By Kareem Gantt
The Cincinnati Bengals are acting like they already know who their coach will be next season. It’s strange considering what has transpired this year.
It’s no secret that the Cincinnati Bengals are having an unexpectedly crappy year. In the NFL, when coaches have crappy years, the unemployment line usually follows.
Apparently, that’s not the case, again, in Cincinnati. The Bengals are 6-8 entering their Week 16 game with the Cleveland Browns, and rumors are flying that the team might hire Vance Joseph as its defensive coordinator next year. Of course, Joseph is currently the head coach in Denver but is expected to be fired by the Broncos at the end of the regular season.
Vance Joseph, if let go by Broncos, expected to emerge as a potential Bengals’ DC candidate, per sources.https://t.co/TO0tTrMwMj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 23, 2018
If you’re already considering coordinators, you clearly know who the coach is going to be. Bringing in someone from outside the organization likely means a sweeping change in the coaching ranks, meaning the search for assistants wouldn’t happen until the head hire was made.
If the report is accurate, the Bengals are likely sticking with Marvin Lewis for a 17th season or rolling with someone already on the staff. If that happens, Hue Jackson says hello.
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The issue on defense is part of a larger problem with the Bengals. It’s becoming apparent that Cincinnati has stagnated under Lewis, but owner Mike Brown continues to be stubborn. Instead of turning over the team and hoping to build a contender, he’s leaning towards moving forward with the status quo.
So, while it is looking more likely that Joseph could be coming to Cincinnati, one can only wonder why the Bengals feel they do not need to change direction with the head coach as well.