Earlier Thursday, one Cincinnati Bengals coordinator became the head coach of the Washington Redskins. His colleague could be following in his footsteps shortly.
According to ESPN, Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is the favorite to replace Leslie Frazier in Minnesota. Zimmer has been with the Bengals since 2008, and this past season helped the unit become the third-best in the league, even without standout defensive tackle Geno Atkins.
The Vikings also plan to interview San Francisco offensive coordinator Greg Roman, as well as colleague, defensive line coach Jim Tomlusa, ESPN reports.
Both Seattle coordinators are coveted by a handful of teams — including Minnesota — and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is considered the frontrunner to replace Mike Munchak in Tennessee. Quinn, too, has been interviewed by Minnesota and Cleveland. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is believed to be a target for the Vikings and the Titans.
The Cleveland Browns are reportedly in the mix for Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops and Green Bay Packers quarterback coach Ben McAdoo, but one candidate is no longer interested.
According to ESPN, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Browns’ head-coaching gig.
Cleveland is also reportedly interested as Vanderbilt coach James Franklin, who was supposed to interview the Washington Redskins’ coaching vacancy Thursday before the team hired Jay Gruden, as well as Auburn’s Gus Malzahn.
Franklin is still considered the favorite for the Penn State job, but not locked in just yet. Roman will also be interviewed for the Penn State job.
One name that has not surfaced for any coaching vacancies is Rob Ryan, the defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints. Ryan has transformed a historically bad defense into the No. 8 defense in 2013. Saints coach Sean Payton said he was surprised Ryan’s name hasn’t been mentioned as a future head coach, but added an endorsement of his assistant, saying he is well-liked, passionate and has an uncanny football knowledge.
