The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t figure to make major moves along the coaching staff under Zac Taylor this offseason.
Then again, perhaps many didn’t expect a name like Wade Phillips to become available.
The news Phillips is available broke Monday when it went public the Los Angeles Rams wouldn’t retain him as defensive coordinator. As Rams Wire’s Cameron DaSilva pointed out, it probably had more to do with control of the defense than actual performance.
Which opens up an interesting possibility for the Bengals, as Zac Taylor worked with Phillips during his time with the Rams. Taylor still has Lou Anarumo, a former Giants coach he settled on last year after an extensive search.
I have been informed by the Rams that my contract will not be renewed.
I want to thank them for the opportunity to be a part of their success the last 3years. Most of all I want to thank the players who I loved workings with. I still want to coach and feel I can contribute.— Wade Phillips (@sonofbum) January 6, 2020
Anarumo’s defense ended up respectable for what it was — a leftover unit from the prior coaching staff after it took longer than expected for the team to find a coordinator at all.
But Anarumo isn’t Phillips, a coach with 37 years in the NFL spanning many coordinator responsibilities, as well as a stint as head coach.
Which isn’t to say Phillips was perfect with the Rams this past season. His defense forced the ninth-most turnovers and ended 17th in points allowed, but also had odd lapses such as surrendering 55 to Tampa Bay. The counterargument is a serious regression for Sean McVay’s offense made things more difficult.
The schematic side of the conversation with Phillips joining the Bengals isn’t as important as the idea behind it. Cincinnati continues to run more multiple looks as it is, so Phillips could make it work.
The idea of it might be more important — McVay brought on Phillips initially to have a veteran presence of sorts helping him along. Taylor could certainly use that in Cincinnati after his inexperienced staff had droves of growing pains while struggling to 2-14.
Wade wants to keep coaching and he’ll undoubtedly have a big list of opportunities. The Bengals should be one, provided Taylor is willing to make a change while seeking out more experience along his staff.
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