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Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has finally been linked to the Detroit Lions' head coaching vacancy. He has been mentioned by many as a likely candidate, but only now is there an actual report to back that up.
Take 2: Bengals DC Mike Zimmer getting interest from Vikings, Lions + Redskins. Could interview with all 3 next week. Was off-limits this wk
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 3, 2014
Teams were unable to talk to Zimmer this week because the Bengals have a game in the wild-card round of the playoffs (against Ken Whisenhunt's San Diego Chargers). Win or lose, Zimmer will be able to speak with teams next week, which is when his interview with the Lions will likely take place if Detroit wants to talk to him.
Zimmer has been the Bengals' defensive coordinator since 2008. Before that, he was the Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator in 2007 and the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator from 2000-06. He's been in the running for several head coaching jobs the last couple years, but the right opportunity hasn't come along just yet, perhaps because he's too honest in his interviews. Might the Lions be an ideal fit for Zimmer? It remains to be seen considering he's a defensive-minded coach, but he's certainly done a good job in Cincinnati as the Bengals' defensive coordinator.
