NFL Coaching Rumors: Browns, Bengals, Titans, Raiders

January 31, 2011

Here’s a look at some coaching news and rumors that are circulating this morning.

Cleveland Browns

It seems as though the Browns are having a hard time finding their next offensive coordinator. Despite not having an OC in place, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Browns have hired Mark Whipple to be their quarterbacks coach.

The move indicates that the team might be willing to move forward with Pat Shurmur and Mark Whipple running their offense. With these two in place, the offensive coordinator position has just become less desirable for any candidate that’s considering taking the position.

Cincinnati Bengals

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that the Bengals have made the decision to fire offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski this morning.

There’s a few things to consider about this move. The first is that Marvin Lewis recently mentioned that he didn’t want to change the teams offensive direction and rebuild a new offense. The second thing to consider is that Cedric Benson has come out and said that he didn’t agree with the Bengals offensive direction last season and he would like to see the Bengals address that before he considers returning. The move could also have been made as an attempt to appease Carson Palmer who has already requested a trade.

Early speculation has quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese as an early option for the position.

Tennessee Titans

Terry McCormick of TitanInsider is reporting that Titans wide receivers coach Fred Graves will be the fifth coach to leave the team this offseason. Graves is reported to be joining the Ron Rivera’s coaching staff in Carolina next season.

As far as the teams head coaching vacancy is concerned, Mike Munchak appears to still be in the lead. Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has yet to be ruled out but the general consensus is that Williams wouldn’t take a head coaching job without a solid quarterback in place and that’s something that Titans cannot guarantee.

Oakland Raiders

Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group reports that Raiders have interest in bringing Darren Perry as their defensive coordinator. The Eagles have also expressed interest in Perry who is Packers secondary coach.