Coaching Rumors: Bengals, Browns, Chargers, Raiders

Bengals

• According to Ian Rapoport, the plan for the Bengals and HC Marvin Lewis is for him to sit down with owner Mike Brown on Monday and figure out his future.
• As of now, the expectation is that the two parties will still mutually agree to part ways after 15 years together in Cincinnati.
• However, Rapoport says that there’s a “reasonable chance” Lewis remains with the Bengals in a front office role.  Another possibility for Lewis could be to take a job in the league office or attempt to secure another head-coaching job.
• If the Bengals look to replace Lewis in house, the two candidates, according to Rapoport, are special teams coach Darrin Simmons and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.
• Rapoport reports that the Bengals have reached out to non-in-house candidates for their coming head coach opening.

Browns

• According to Ian Rapoport, Browns GM John Dorsey has told people close to him that the plan is to keep HC Hue Jackson in place for the 2018 season.
• Although, Rapoport says that Browns are expected to hire an offensive coordinator and this happens to be a top priority for them.

Chargers

• Ian Rapoport writes that the Chargers could be in a tough position with their coordinators Gus Bradley and Ken Whisenhunt, as both of their contracts are up after the season and they should both be coveted free agents.

Raiders

• According to Ian Rapoport, it would be a surprise if Raiders HC Jack Del Rio was in trouble one year after signing a new extension with Oakland.
• However, if Jon Gruden were to have serious interest in taking over as the Raiders’ head coach, it could lead to Del Rio being ousted.
• Even if Del Rio is back, Rapoport says that there will be some changes coming to the Raiders in 2018 which may include OC Todd Downing being fired.
• Last night, Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported that the Raiders are preparing to pursue Gruden with an offer that could include an ownership stake in the franchise.
• Ian Rapoport mentions that Gruden has called around to round up assistants and one name kept coming up as a QB coach is Rich Gannon.