Cincinnati Bengals: Patrick Graham, Al Golden Are Reportedly Defensive Coordinator Finalists
The Bengals are moving closer to hiring their next defensive coordinator.
Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator Al Golden and former Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham are the two finalists, according to SI.com.
Golden was the Bengals' linebackers coach for two seasons (2021 and '22) under Head Coach Zac Taylor. During Saturday's pregame press conference, Golden didn't deny he had received inquiries about returning to the NFL.
"It's humbling that your name is mentioned, because of team success or the success of our defense," Golden said. "This is not the time or place. This is about the kids. That's our focus. All of that other stuff well deal with in the future."
Graham has also interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their vacant head coaching position.
Pittsburgh Steelers: T.J. Watt Will Consider Moving Around on Defensive Line Next Season
Star pass rusher T.J. Watt was held to 11.5 sacks in 2024, his fewest since his rookie season. After lining up 94.7% of the time on the left side of the defense, Watt said he was open to moving around more next season to make it harder for defenses to gear blocking schemes against him.
"Teams are playing certain ways with chips and helps and stuff like that and getting the ball out quick and I need to be more open to moving around more and trying to affect games as much as possible," Watt said via the team’s website. "You guys know I want to affect the game more than anybody but I don't want to selfishly go to a different spot when I feel like I could have a better rush on the left side.
"I definitely feel like, schematically, it's been a tough year with how offenses have schemed things to try and get me out of the game. It's going to be a big breakdown for me to try and find ways to make plays."
Cleveland Browns: Tommy Rees Is Elevated to Offensive Coordinator
The Browns have hired their next offensive coordinator from within. Tommy Rees has been elevated from Tight Ends Coach/Pass Game Specialist to Offensive Coordinator, the team announced.
"Tommy has an incredible football mind," Head Coach Kevin Stefanski said. "He is extremely bright and has been around the game his entire life. Before joining our staff, he established himself as one of the top assistant coaches in college football. Last season, he transitioned into our tight end room and with our pass game, and he didn't miss a beat.
"Due to injuries, there was a lot of uncertainty at tight end, but Tommy did a phenomenal job with that group and always had his players ready for gameday, despite, in some cases, only being with the team for a short period of time."
Stefanski did not announce whether he or Rees would call plays next season. Last season, Stefanski called plays for the first seven games, then handed those duties to Ken Dorsey, who was fired after the season.
