Mike Zimmer to Redskins as DC rumor

[Kevin Greene]

Despite doing a great job over the past two seasons with the Cincinnati defense, Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has yet to generate significant buzz as a potential head-coaching candidate for the upcoming carousel of vacancies.

But with his contract in Cincinnati set to expire after the current season, Zimmer could be in line for a lateral move -- and also a healthy raise.

We're told that Mike Shanahan has targeted Zimmer as the first choice to run the defense, if/when Shanahan resurfaces as head coach of the Redskins.

On Friday night, NFL Network's Jason La Canfora indicated that one of Mike Shanahan's first items of business will be to hire former Broncos defensive coordinator Bob Slowik. As La Canfora explained it, Slowik has been working with Shanahan at Denver-area office space. And we're hearing that Slowik will be a member of the Shanahan's staff even if Shanahan lands Zimmer.

Mr. Scot ain't gonna like this.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/12/26/zimmers-name-surfaces-as-potential-defensive-coordinator-in-dc/

[Boltergeist]

Step away from the large sums of money, Mr. Zimmer.

I'd hope this would be the wakeup call the Bengals need to get a new deal done with him. Given the way the team rallied around him when his wife died, I hope to see him still in CIN than to have to deal with Haney the Hemorrhoid.

Of course, there's also the new wrinkle regarding Shanahan and a certain job that opened up today, so this may be rendered moot.

[Mr. Scot]

Actually, I was happy to hear it.

With an increasing feeling that John Fox was going to be back, I'd prefer that Zimmer still be an option next year if Fox should tank. Now with it confirmed that Fox is back, this is win-win.

If Fox makes it, well and good. If not, Zimmer could still be an option.

I doubt the same will be true of all the best options though (i.e. Rivera, Frazier and others).

[Boltergeist]

Step away from the large sums of money, Mr. Zimmer.

Wow, he listened.

Zimmer gets new 3 year deal in Cincy.