Defensive Coordinator Search

[cincygrad]

Where is everyone at on this? All we've heard so far is interviews with Patrick Graham (Raiders) and Demarcus Covington (Patriots). James Rapien has reported that the Bengals will not interview Saleh or Allen. If Al Golden is a serious candidate, we won't know more about it for another 10 or 11 days given Notre Dame's win last night.

At this point, I'm concerned they will go cheap. They are apparently still paying Lou's contract next season and if next season fails and they need to get rid of Taylor, they'll presumably be stuck with 3 more years of a DC for whatever they pay here (I've heard it mentioned that most coordinators will want 4 years guaranteed). Saleh is likely due to make more as a coordinator than Zac does as a HC so that isn't in play.

Prepare to be underwhelmed - Good chance we hire someone with less promise/credentials than the guy we fired. We'll see.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Where is everyone at on this? All we've heard so far is interviews with Patrick Graham (Raiders) and Demarcus Covington (Patriots). James Rapien has reported that the Bengals will not interview Saleh or Allen. If Al Golden is a serious candidate, we won't know more about it for another 10 or 11 days given Notre Dame's win last night.

At this point, I'm concerned they will go cheap. They are apparently still paying Lou's contract next season and if next season fails and they need to get rid of Taylor, they'll presumably be stuck with 3 more years of a DC for whatever they pay here (I've heard it mentioned that most coordinators will want 4 years guaranteed). Saleh is likely due to make more as a coordinator than Zac does as a HC so that isn't in play.

Prepare to be underwhelmed - Good chance we hire someone with less promise/credentials than the guy we fired. We'll see.

I think it's silly not to interview Saleh or Allen - but there also may be some known items (i.e. maybe they already know Saleh isn't interested). I think also, if you are looking at a guy you might want to find a guy that is more likely to stick around for at least 2-3 years before jumping into the HC search/situation. Saleh may want to land at a place that is going to be a 1 year deal because he wants to be a HC - heck, he might be interviewing for HC spots now...who knows. But - regardless, coming right out and saying that you won't interview him isn't really a great look...that's something you keep internal and a bad look for the Bengals who always seem to struggle with PR type stuff like this. Dumb move on their part to come right out and say that.

Covington was on the original list when Taylor got hired, and NO blocked him from interviewing. If not, he could have landed here instead of Lou, who was like the 7th choice at that time. Graham has as pretty solid history. Ignore this year, and go back and look at his bio, and his defense largely have done very well. This isn't really a huge item, IMO - and what I mean is - the Bengals don't need someone to come in and make this defense #1 or #3 or even #8 in the NFL...They need someone who can come in and make this defense just a top 18...top 15 (middle of the road)...with Burrow you are going to get a bump to a good defense - because the more you can get him the ball, the more they can score, the more they can score, the more pressure this defense can put on other teams...this is one of the biggest complaints I had with Lou's "bend but don't break" approach...it allowed long(er) drives, and kept Burrow off the field too often. This team is 100% centered on the offense, so it has to find ways to get the ball back in his hands...I felt like Lou, and this scheme, didn't really embrace that. He was OK with 7-9 play drives if they didn't score, or only gave up 3pts...in many instances, they gave up 2 or 3 3rd downs or 2nd and super longs - to keep Burrow off the field.

I think the list is going to be solid of who reaches out, and we may not even get all of the names - but while the names themselves may be underwhelming, let's not forget that guys like Saleh were 1 year removed from being a LB coaching before busting through in his 1st year as a DC and parlaying that into a HC shot...it's more about fit and meshing a guys' approach with the current, and soon to be future, roster of guys on this defense. I do believe there is talent there, but this group needs an overhaul in scheme and technique to help them grow. Specifically the DB's and DL.

 

[DanBengalfan]

it may not matter if zac taylor is in charge. another slow start and starting 2025 0-4 and we will see what the real problem is.

it isn't so much about finding a guru to save our sorry asses, it's about Lou getting replaced because no one can take him seriously as an expert after getting owned so badly several times.

 

[cincygrad]

I think it's silly not to interview Saleh or Allen - but there also may be some known items (i.e. maybe they already know Saleh isn't interested). I think also, if you are looking at a guy you might want to find a guy that is more likely to stick around for at least 2-3 years before jumping into the HC search/situation. Saleh may want to land at a place that is going to be a 1 year deal because he wants to be a HC - heck, he might be interviewing for HC spots now...who knows. But - regardless, coming right out and saying that you won't interview him isn't really a great look...that's something you keep internal and a bad look for the Bengals who always seem to struggle with PR type stuff like this. Dumb move on their part to come right out and say that.

Covington was on the original list when Taylor got hired, and NO blocked him from interviewing. If not, he could have landed here instead of Lou, who was like the 7th choice at that time. Graham has as pretty solid history. Ignore this year, and go back and look at his bio, and his defense largely have done very well. This isn't really a huge item, IMO - and what I mean is - the Bengals don't need someone to come in and make this defense #1 or #3 or even #8 in the NFL...They need someone who can come in and make this defense just a top 18...top 15 (middle of the road)...with Burrow you are going to get a bump to a good defense - because the more you can get him the ball, the more they can score, the more they can score, the more pressure this defense can put on other teams...this is one of the biggest complaints I had with Lou's "bend but don't break" approach...it allowed long(er) drives, and kept Burrow off the field too often. This team is 100% centered on the offense, so it has to find ways to get the ball back in his hands...I felt like Lou, and this scheme, didn't really embrace that. He was OK with 7-9 play drives if they didn't score, or only gave up 3pts...in many instances, they gave up 2 or 3 3rd downs or 2nd and super longs - to keep Burrow off the field.

I think the list is going to be solid of who reaches out, and we may not even get all of the names - but while the names themselves may be underwhelming, let's not forget that guys like Saleh were 1 year removed from being a LB coaching before busting through in his 1st year as a DC and parlaying that into a HC shot...it's more about fit and meshing a guys' approach with the current, and soon to be future, roster of guys on this defense. I do believe there is talent there, but this group needs an overhaul in scheme and technique to help them grow. Specifically the DB's and DL.

I'm not particularly interested in Saleh - I do think he's gunning for a head coaching job and he'll likely get one again soon. It's easy to write off his issues in New York with the dysfunction of that organization. He also shouldn't really receive blame for the Zach Wilson pick or the Aaron Rodgers fiasco. And the team regressed when he left. He deserves another job and he'll get one.

I do have issues with not approaching Dennis Allen or even a Brandon Staley. Nobody is going to line up to hire either of these guys in the near future. In the case of Allen, he has had two chances as a HC and it didn't work. He's going to have to settle in at DC if he wants to keep a presence in the NFL and he's been an effective DC in the past. I also think Staley would be an intersting candidate. His failures as a HC had to do with situational decision making..... It would be comical if Taylor asked his opinion on time management or short yardage situations.... But seriously, if he is just left to run the D, he has good experience on that side of the ball and was mentored by Fangio for years.

 

[cincygrad]

One player says the hire has been made..... But, he also might just be an idiot.

 

[CrashDavisSports]

One player says the hire has been made..... But, he also might just be an idiot.

LMFAO. Maybe this is is verbal version of a late defensive pass interference play.

 

[cincygrad]

LMFAO. Maybe this is is verbal version of a late defensive pass interference play.

LOL. Anthony's contributions in his rookie season. 1) Blow a win for us against the eventual #1 seed in the AFC. 2) Create online drama about a hire that hasn't happened yet. 3) See points 1 and 2.

 

[Cincyfan78]

It's Marvin.

 

[Cincyfan78]

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Let's also assume for just a brief second that Anthony is right, that they have basically made their decision.....we have only interviewed two guys, both black. Nothing wrong with that as they are very good candidates. That gets through the Rooney Rule. Now with that said, if it is not one of those guys and this hire turns out to be a white dude, they were just giving Covington and Graham a courtesy interview to get the guy they want.

So you have to assume it is Covington or Graham right? Why hire someone you have not even interviewed? So how is that going to be a surprise?

 

[CrashDavisSports]

Oh Gosh. Mike couldn't live without his boo huh? As your sign says, find someone who loves you as much as Mike Brown loves Marvin Lewis. hahaha That would indeed be a surprise, but I would not be totally opposed to that!

 

[Cincyfan78]

Let's also assume for just a brief second that Anthony is right, that they have basically made their decision.....we have only interviewed two guys, both black. Nothing wrong with that as they are very good candidates. That gets through the Rooney Rule. Now with that said, if it is not one of those guys and this hire turns out to be a white dude, they were just giving Covington and Graham a courtesy interview to get the guy they want.

So you have to assume it is Covington or Graham right? Why hire someone you have not even interviewed? So how is that going to be a surprise?

2 that we know of.

Could have been conversations ongoing through back channels. Especially if it's a coach that is still actively coaching or elsewhere.

And - who knows if he's even right...could be making contact before the pass actually arrives...wouldn't be the 1st time...

 

[cincygrad]

2 that we know of.

Could have been conversations ongoing through back channels. Especially if it's a coach that is still actively coaching or elsewhere.

And - who knows if he's even right...could be making contact before the pass actually arrives...wouldn't be the 1st time...

Yeah, but unless the Chiefs are involved, nobody is going to call him out on it.

 

[BKBroiler9000]

Robert Saleh is making more from the Jets to NOT coach them this year than Zac Taylor is paid as a HC. He is the top DC on the market and likely wants to be a HC again. He is not coming to work for the Brown family. He will return to SF or take another HC gig. This was never happening. The 20 year olds on Twitter who became Bengals fans in 2021 really need to stop posting. It’s embarrassing.

Zac is on the hot seat this year. Which is why I doubt a Dennis Allen will come here for a potential lame duck season if the FO cleans house in 2026. Also why the Bengals FO won’t pay what it would take to entice him. They are already paying Lou to not work next year. They aren’t paying a proven veteran DC that might be gone in a year. Along with paying a new HC.

We also aren’t getting Al Golden. He’s making 3 mil a year at Notre Dame. Lou was making 1.5. Zac only makes 4.5 yearly. Out of the Bengals price range. I also can’t see Golden leaving to prospective national champions to jump on the Zac Taylor shipwreck.

Patrick Graham wouldn’t be a bad hire. The Raiders didn’t exactly have much talent on defense besides Crosby. And this year aside, the Raiders defense graded better than Lou’s defenses.

The ex-Patriots DC isn’t the guy. You can’t fire Lou and hire a 1 and done DC who had a worse defense than the guy you just fired.

It’s going to be a cheap up and comer. Likely somebody who was previously here or the Brown family knows (cause Bengals)

Keep an eye on Robert Covington. Former DBs coach. And current Colorado DC.

 

[Cincyfan78]

Robert Saleh is making more from the Jets to NOT coach them this year than Zac Taylor is paid as a HC. He is the top DC on the market and likely wants to be a HC again. He is not coming to work for the Brown family. He will return to SF or take another HC gig. This was never happening. The 20 year olds on Twitter who became Bengals fans in 2021 really need to stop posting. It’s embarrassing.

Zac is on the hot seat this year. Which is why I doubt a Dennis Allen will come here for a potential lame duck season if the FO cleans house in 2026. Also why the Bengals FO won’t pay what it would take to entice him. They are already paying Lou to not work next year. They aren’t paying a proven veteran DC that might be gone in a year. Along with paying a new HC.

We also aren’t getting Al Golden. He’s making 3 mil a year at Notre Dame. Lou was making 1.5. Zac only makes 4.5 yearly. Out of the Bengals price range. I also can’t see Golden leaving to prospective national champions to jump on the Zac Taylor shipwreck.

Patrick Graham wouldn’t be a bad hire. The Raiders didn’t exactly have much talent on defense besides Crosby. And this year aside, the Raiders defense graded better than Lou’s defenses.

The ex-Patriots DC isn’t the guy. You can’t fire Lou and hire a 1 and done DC who had a worse defense than the guy you just fired.

It’s going to be a cheap up and comer. Likely somebody who was previously here or the Brown family knows (cause Bengals)

Keep an eye on Robert Covington. Former DBs coach. And current Colorado DC.

Agreed on Saleh, but IMO you at least make him say "No". No harm in making that call. There's also no harm in not announcing that you aren't calling him. That was a poor PR move on the Bengals' part. However, not really shocking considering how bad they are at PR.

Agreed you don't want a DC that is a 1-year rental kind of guy (which some guys, like Salleh, would fall under - which again, if is the case, you don't even need to announce not calling him...). You want someone that will be here at least 2 years.

Though, if Graham gets a pass because of a bad Raiders setup - why not the guy from NE? Honestly, I don't know his history - so maybe his other stops are not as impressive. Maybe he's done a good job - honestly no clue - but just pointing out if it's based off this past year - you can't really ignore Graham and then say the opposite about the guy from NE.

Also - bad thing about Graham - you point out that defense had nothing but Crosby...this defense has nothing but Trey - so...if you think the issue was the guys on defense over there...I got some BAAAAAD news for you...LOL

Again - to my original point a few posts ago - you don't need a HR hire. This defense doesn't need to go from 28 to top 10...it just needs to get into the 15ish range. That's enough with this offense.

 

[BKBroiler9000]

I'm not particularly interested in Saleh - I do think he's gunning for a head coaching job and he'll likely get one again soon. It's easy to write off his issues in New York with the dysfunction of that organization. He also shouldn't really receive blame for the Zach Wilson pick or the Aaron Rodgers fiasco. And the team regressed when he left. He deserves another job and he'll get one.

I do have issues with not approaching Dennis Allen or even a Brandon Staley. Nobody is going to line up to hire either of these guys in the near future. In the case of Allen, he has had two chances as a HC and it didn't work. He's going to have to settle in at DC if he wants to keep a presence in the NFL and he's been an effective DC in the past. I also think Staley would be an intersting candidate. His failures as a HC had to do with situational decision making..... It would be comical if Taylor asked his opinion on time management or short yardage situations.... But seriously, if he is just left to run the D, he has good experience on that side of the ball and was mentored by Fangio for years.

This is Cincinnati. The Super Bowl is something you hope for. Not actively pursue.

Back to back seasons of no playoffs in the Joe Burrow era. This one largely because of a franchise worst defense. Which several established potential candidates that could help immediately.

And the FO is out panhandling for nobodies. It will never change.

 

[cincygrad]

This is Cincinnati. The Super Bowl is something you hope for. Not actively pursue.

Back to back seasons of no playoffs in the Joe Burrow era. This one largely because of a franchise worst defense. Which several established potential candidates that could help immediately.

And the FO is out panhandling for nobodies. It will never change.

I feel like the Burrow era is going to make me more depressed than happy. It's hard to watch a quarterback as talented as he is in a fight with one arm tied behind his back.

 

[BKBroiler9000]

Agreed on Saleh, but IMO you at least make him say "No". No harm in making that call. There's also no harm in not announcing that you aren't calling him. That was a poor PR move on the Bengals' part. However, not really shocking considering how bad they are at PR.

Agreed you don't want a DC that is a 1-year rental kind of guy (which some guys, like Salleh, would fall under - which again, if is the case, you don't even need to announce not calling him...). You want someone that will be here at least 2 years.

Though, if Graham gets a pass because of a bad Raiders setup - why not the guy from NE? Honestly, I don't know his history - so maybe his other stops are not as impressive. Maybe he's done a good job - honestly no clue - but just pointing out if it's based off this past year - you can't really ignore Graham and then say the opposite about the guy from NE.

Also - bad thing about Graham - you point out that defense had nothing but Crosby...this defense has nothing but Trey - so...if you think the issue was the guys on defense over there...I got some BAAAAAD news for you...LOL

Again - to my original point a few posts ago - you don't need a HR hire. This defense doesn't need to go from 28 to top 10...it just needs to get into the 15ish range. That's enough with this offense.

1) Oh they 100% should’ve called Saleh. They need an DC and he’s the best one available. Any serious NFL franchise would contact the top candidate for a job opening. The Bengals didn’t and won’t because they are the Bengals. A poverty franchise announcing they are too good to contact a top coaching candidate like it’s this wonderful thing? Just laughable lol.

2) This is me speculating on what the Bengals FO is thinking. Not what I personally would do. Worst case you make those guys say no. But again, the Bengals didn’t and won’t bother. Because they are unserious. And don’t wanna pay what it would take. They (IMO) are more concerned with who they might potentially be paying in 2026 to coach this team. Which if there is that little hope or belief in Zac Taylor and giving him what he needs to win, they should’ve fired him already and started from scratch.

3) I’m not excusing Graham. But I would also add that his unit had the no help from a Gardner Minshew/O’Connell QB’d offense. Here he would have Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The Raiders likely have less defensive talent than the Bengals do. And he did more with less. Until this year. Which wouldn’t be a bad guy to bring in here. The Bengals defensive cupboard appears bare on paper. But there are 8 top 100 draft picks from the last three years on this roster. Lou couldn’t get anything out of them. Graham may be able to.

As far as Covington goes- What I’ve seen from Patriots fans isn’t good. He was a good DL coach who took over a top 10 defense that Belichick built. Immediately crumbled and was overwhelmed calling plays this year. The same until that finished 8th in 2023 fell to 32nd this year. I’d imagine the only reason the Bengals are talking to him is because his defense somehow shutdown Burrow in week 1 and we love collecting bums who have good games against us..LOL

4) Agreed. We don’t need a 2000 Ravens level defense to win with this offense. But that doesn’t mean we need to settle for mediocrity either. Which is my whole point about the Bengals being their typical poverty selves. Instead of for once trying to go all in to try to win a championship. They will hire a family friend.