thito_da_skins_fan Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 could Marvin get screwed again? Coughlin heads to Cincy for more talks Coughlin heads to Cincy for more talks -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com In what figures to be a critical session, one that might well determine the direction of the team's search for a new head coach, ESPN.com has learned that Tom Coughlin will meet Thursday with Cincinnati Bengals officials about their vacancy. Coughlin flew to Cincinnati on Thursday morning for a second round of talks with Bengals owner Mike Brown and members of his family. It is believed the Bengals will also seek another interview with Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, one of five men to be part of the initial screening process. The Bengals also met with Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and two assistants from the staff of deposed head coach Dick LeBeau, defensive coordinator Mark Duffner and running backs coach Jim Anderson. It is likely that neither Duffner nor Anderson are among the finalists for the job. Despite published reports of an alleged "rift" between Coughlin and Brown, the Bengals owner was very impressed with the former Jaguars coach in their first meeting. Bengals sources also have shot down published reports that Brown favors Coughlin while other family members, like Brown's daughter, team vice president Katie Blackburn, prefer Lewis. While neither side expects the Thursday meeting to result in a job offer, it could go a long way toward deciding how interested Coughlin really is in the job, and how much the Bengals want him. Last week, Coughlin said he felt the Bengals were "a sleeping giant," a team with more talent that many observers thought. Coughlin is expected to present to Cincinnati management a so-called "action plan" he spent much of the weekend compiling. In essence, it is Coughlin's view of what changes, additions or alterations the Bengals must undertake to reverse their fortunes. Sources said not every issue in the "action plan" is a deal breaker, but that Coughlin believes some changes are necessary for the franchise to be competitive. How team officials react to his suggestions could be an even more critical factor than salary for Coughlin, who has two seasons remaining on his Jacksonville contract, at $2.4 million per year. In a marathon session that lasted nearly eight hours, and is believed to have covered virtually every aspect of the football operation, Cincinnati Bengals officials met with Coughlin last Friday about the vacancy created when LeBeau was fired the day after the season finale. Coughlin, 55, was also fired by the Jaguars the day after the regular season concluded. Hired by owner Wayne Weaver, about 18 months before Jacksonville even played its first game, Coughlin was the only coach the franchise ever had. He is clearly is the most proven out of the candidates. In eight seasons with the Jaguars, he compiled a 72-66 record, taking the team to the playoffs on four occasions. The fact his tenure ended with three straight losing campaigns may have overshadowed the brilliant job that Coughlin did from the outset of the franchise's existence. The team advanced to the AFC championship game in only its second year on the field, 1996, losing to the New England Patriots. In 1999, Coughlin led the Jaguars to a league-best 14-2 record, but Jacksonville was upset by Tennessee in the conference title matchup. One potential sticking point is that, unlike his Jacksonville job description, Coughlin would not have total control of the Bengals' football operation. Coughlin essentially functioned as his own general manager while with the Jaguars, but the Bengals do not have a GM and Brown has said he will not vest total power in one man. It is believed, however, the Bengals are prepared to provide their new head coach more power than any of his predecessors. Len Pasquarelli is a [piece of trash] writer for ESPN.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thito_da_skins_fan Posted January 9, 2003 Author Share Posted January 9, 2003 oops... title should say "fat boy" damn how did i screw that up... anyone wanna change it for me? c'mon -- it's Lenny the Hut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
just skins baby Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 I don't know, "fay boy" sounds pretty funny too:laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@DCGoldPants Posted January 9, 2003 Share Posted January 9, 2003 I heard that Pizza Hut was bringing Lenny P in for another round of talks ever since their lunch time buffett has slowed down and they need a boost. It figures he could mean an extra 950K a week for the Franchise with his morbid eating style and do disregard for his own health. It's also been learned that Pizza Hut is going to bring in Peter King to interview for the same role and possibly keep both around for the long haul to help sales for at least 2003. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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