Zac Taylor long ago developed a list of potential assistants he would want to try to hire should he ever become an NFL head coach.
Now, as the Cincinnati Bengals new coach, he’s working off that initial list to develop his staff.
Taylor wasn’t ready to divulge names or confirm any of the rumored hires Tuesday when he met with the press in Cincinnati for the first time, but said he is close to being able to make some announcements.
“You always have in mind the people that are critical if you ever get an opportunity,” Taylor said. “Over the years you always have a list. It’s not always on paper, necessarily, but you always have an idea. Then when this process unfolds you quickly put five or six names at every position to start with. Never in a particular order. You’re painting a picture of what you want. As this process unfolds and I knew I was going to get this job, I started honing in on it. This person is a good complement to that person and that’s the way we’ve approached things.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden broke news last month that his quarterbacks coach, Brian Callahan, was leaving to become the Bengals offensive coordinator, and originally it appeared former Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio was going to be named defensive coordinator before reports surfaced it had been deemed he was not a good fit.
Taylor said he plans to call plays and the offense will likely look similar to what the Rams did this year – “it works,” he joked – but the defense remains wide open, depending on what kind of a coordinator he brings in and the best fit for the players.
