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Bengals lure Ravens linebackers coach

FitzGerald has solid track record in 15 seasons in NFL.

By Chick Ludwig

Staff Writer

Thursday, January 24, 2008

> Share your thoughts on the new coach

The Bengals' hiring of Jeff FitzGerald as linebackers coach on Wednesday gives the club a proven assistant with a reputation for production.

FitzGerald spent the past four years in the same capacity with the division rival Baltimore Ravens and became only the second linebackers coach in NFL history to have four players named to the Pro Bowl in the same season.

Extras

Ravens linebackers Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs and Adalius Thomas earned Pro Bowl berths in 2006. The elite unit led the Ravens' to No. 1 league rankings in points allowed per game (12.6) and yards allowed per game (264.1).

The 2007 Ravens' defense ranked second in the NFL against the run (79.3) and sixth in overall defense (301.6), while the Bengals were 21st (118.3) and 27th (348.8) in those categories.

"Jeff's recent experience is in our AFC North Division, and he's been instrumental in a very successful performance by the Ravens' front seven," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said. "He does a great job communicating with his players and we are excited to have him on our staff."

FitzGerald, who enters his 15th season in the league, takes over for the fired Ricky Hunley. He became available when Ravens head coach Brian Billick was fired after a 5-11 season.

FitzGerald, 47, previously coached the linebackers of the Washington Redskins (1998-99) and Arizona Cardinals (2000-03). He broke into the NFL with Tampa Bay (1990-93), working with the defensive backs and special teams.

He has helped develop and coach the linebacker drills at the annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis for the last 10 years.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com

> What do you think should happen?

Comments

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By SAN

January 24, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Much ado about nothing. Hundley wasn’t the problem, but he was the fall guy. Injuries were the problem, not the coach, at least for the LB’s. Typical knee jerk reaction by Mike Brown. Yes, Mike Brown. He controls EVERYTHING in that organization. Marvin is just a puppet.

By boy-o

January 24, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Hire the CHINE…???

By NFL Know It All

January 24, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

No way that defense moves up to 15 in a years time with that talent pool…Landon Johnson can play at a high level but those other stiffs are not the answer. Cincy needs to win big in the free agent market if they want defensive improvement.

By NFL Know It All

January 24, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

No way that defesne moves up to 15 in a years time with that talent pool…Landon Johnson can play at a high level but those other stiffs are not the answer. Cincy needs to win big in the free agent market if they want defensive improvement.

By Bob540

January 24, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

I agree — it sounds like a good hire. Along with needing help on defense, I think we need to shore up the offensive line. Willie Anderson is getting old, and I’m not impressed with Whitworth or Andrews. Use free agency to get a couple of solid blockers.

By gibby

January 24, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Lets start giving the coaches some ammunition. Draft #1 dt #2 dt #3 lb #4 true kick returner - the rest fill in gaps. Let’s not forget Marvins waste of a #1 on Chris Perry a back-up running back. Coffee’s on Marvin take a big whiff.

By William

January 24, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I think this is a pretty good hire. We need a healthy Ahmad Brooks, and what about Odell? He’ll probably be back, but will he be ready to play. That’s another big question. If Dhani & Landon come back we’ll be fine. Overall I think we’ll play better next year. If our defense can improve to about #15, we’ll be in the playoffs. I still Trust in Marvin, so let’s get this show on the road. 2008 is a huge year for him, he must show something. WHO DEY!

By tom

January 24, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Great post by Jammin. Bring Billick in and move Marvin upstairs. A Forest Gregg type defense is what we need.

By William

January 24, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Sounds like a good hire to me.

By Mark

January 24, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Two steps in the right direction with the defense. New coordinator and linabacker coach, two of our big management weaknesses. I think some players could still step up and be productive with new management styles. I still believe we need a few players on “D” though, maybe we’d get some defects from Baltimore’s “D” since their management seems to be defecting to Cincinnati. Ray-Ray, a Bengal next ?

By ShockMonkey

January 24, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Good move but gotta see what players they plug-in during the offseason. Step in the right direction but still lots of questions. Marvin: can you make adjustments after halftime? Do you know how to manage your timeouts?

By Jammin

January 24, 2008 5:35 AM | Link to this

Now hire Billick as head coach and elevate Lewis to GM. Billick will tear some a*s in the locker room-Lewis is too nice of a guy to the prima donna players of today-we need an aggressive, mean spirited defense to compete in the AFC North.

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