AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Steelers

Bengals

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert says there’s “no question” he can get “back to where I was” when he caught 13 touchdowns for the team back in 2015.

However, Eifert admitted that he isn’t sure if he’s still wanted by the Bengals.

“Just have to see how it plays out. I don’t know where I stand,” Eifert said, via Bengals.com. “I don’t have any expectations right now. I don’t know if I’m still wanted. Just have to figure that out.”

• According to Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals could be close to a decision, as he notes “it appears the interviewing portion of the search is over.”
• Jason La Canfora mentions that the Bengals are still considering some defensive coaches, but he would hire Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy and hire Vance Joseph as their defensive coordinator.

Browns

• Mary Kay Cabot reports that the Browns have parted ways with QBs coach Ken Zampese, assistant OL coach Mark Hutson and defensive quality control coach Eric Sanders.
• According to Cabot, RBs coach Ryan Lindley could be in line for a promotion, possibly to quarterbacks coach.
• Cabot adds that WRs coach Adam Henry and DBs coach DeWayne Walker are also expected to stay.

Steelers

• Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wants to add to his staff by bringing another full-time assistant beyond the staff he carried last year.
• This comes after the Steelers parted ways with OLBs coach Joey Porter and RBs coach James Saxon.
• According to Jeremy Fowler, Tomlin had a productive meeting with DC Keith Butler as part of his post-season sessions with staff members. Fowler says that while nothing is official, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Butler, who has one year left on his contract, return for the 2019 season.