The Cincinnati Bengals are approaching Tennessee Volunteer levels when it comes to their search for a defensive coordinator.
Cincinnati announced the hiring of head coach Zac Taylor following the Super Bowl, and he’s been looking to fill out his staff since then. The big key is hiring a defensive coordinator, which has not been easy.
The team considered Jack Del Rio, Dom Capers and Dennis Allen but nothing happened. Then they were turned down by Todd Grantham, who decided to remain with the Florida Gators.
According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, their next target was Ohio State defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who did not want to go back on his commitment to the Buckeyes.
The #Bengals wanted to interview Ohio State defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their vacant DC job, sources tell @RapSheet. However, I’m told he’s not going to renege on his commitment to OSU after taking the job last month. So Cincy’s search continues.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 15, 2019
If you’re wondering why teams try to make their hires early in the process, this is why. You don’t want to end up left behind when the seemingly most desirable candidates are already tied into commitments. That doesn’t mean Cincinnati won’t be able to find someone, it just means the pickings are somewhat slimmer.
