The Bengals have made up their minds on a defensive coordinator. On Monday, they officially announced the hiring of Teryl Austin.
Austin will take over Paul Guenther‘s post now that he is moving on to become the Raiders’ DC. Although the Raiders were interested in Austin for a job alongside Guenther, the Lions’ defensive boss of the past four seasons with migrate to Cincinnati.
Austin and the Bengals were in talks about this job on Sunday night, and those discussions quickly led to an agreement.
The Bengals were also interested in Vic Fangio, so this removes an avenue for the veteran defensive leader whom the Bears want to retain. As for Austin, this will be his second DC job. After overseeing the Cardinals, Seahawks and Ravens’ secondaries, he led the Lions’ defense from 2014-17.
Although Austin’s units did not finish as top-tier groups after his first season, when they finished second in total defense, the 52-year-old coach received steady interest over the past few offseasons. He participated in 12 HC interviews, including his most recent with the Lions last week. And though Detroit’s Jim Caldwell successor hasn’t been decided, Austin taking his name out of consideration provides a fairly clear indication the franchise was looking elsewhere for its next head coach. Matt Patricia is viewed as the clubhouse leader.
Guenther had served as Cincinnati’s DC since 2014. The Bengals ranked as the league’s No. 18-ranked defense (16th in points allowed).
I am shocked the Bengals were able land Austin. I actually like him more than the leaving Guenther. Hopefully he will bring more discipline to a talented defense. There is a lot of talent on that side of the ball if they can stop throwing flags like confetti.
He could also transition the to head coach when Lewis leaves.
Great hire!