After an awful 2024 season, the Cincinnati Bengals defense is somehow worse in 2025. Under new defensive coordinator Al Golden, this unit has been consistently bad, with no indication of development.
So what do they do? Obviously, personnel is a problem. There are some players on the street who could help them. Pass rusher Carl Lawson was only recently signed by the Ravens, and safety Justin Simmons is still available. The trade deadline is approaching, but there is still time to use that route to improve their talent.
But Al Golden was brought here to develop new talent, and as of yet, he has not done that.
Understandably, many are calling for his job, but what would the Bengals do if they moved on from Golden midseason? Who on staff would be the best candidate for interim defensive coordinator?
Jerry Montgomery is in charge of the run defense, which is atrocious, and coaches a defensive line that cannot get pressure. He can’t be an option.
Mike Hodges coaches perhaps the worst unit on this team in the linebackers. He is charged with coaching up to rookie starters at present. He can’t be an option either.
Perhaps the best unit on the team is the cornerbacks. While Cam Taylor-Britt has had a turbulent season, DJ Turner has emerged as a star, and Dax Hill and Josh Newton have looked solid. Cornerbacks coach Charles Burks could be an option, but Burks had only ever coached defensive backs. It is hard to say what his expertise could do to improve the run defense or pass rush.
The best option is senior defensive assistant Sean Desai. He at least has coordinator experience, but it is not exactly stellar. He was the Bears’ defensive coordinator in 2021. That year, Chicago ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing yards allowed, pressures, and points allowed.
Two years later, Desai was the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. After a strong start to the season, the defense began to struggle. Desai ended up being demoted midseason in favor of Matt Patricia. Oddly, it could be the reverse situation in Cincinnati.
Desai is not exactly a slam-dunk hire, but he is the best in-house option if they want to shake things up and jump-start this defense over the bye week.
My guess is that no change happens, but if it does, Desai is probably the name to watch out for.
Who would your pick be?
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