“It’s something I hoped for for a long time,” Zampese said. “Opportunities come when they come, and when it’s right, it happens. Here it is right now, and here we go. So I’m excited for the opportunity and the faith that’s been shown me, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Zampese, 48, was one of two personnel moves the Bengals made. The team also hired Jim Haslett, 60, to coach linebackers.
Unlike Zampese, who has been an assistant under Lewis since he came to Cincinnati in 2003, Haslett and Lewis have never worked together.
“Through mutual friends, and with both of us being from Pittsburgh we’ve kind of known each other through the years,” Haslett said. “He offered me a job a couple of years ago as a possible defensive coordinator, but I was under contract in St. Louis. But I’ve always admired his work.”
Haslett was the defensive coordinator in St. Louis from 2006-08, and prior to that was head coach in New Orleans for six seasons.
Lewis said he expects to add “four to five others here in the next few days.”
The Bengals need to fill the defensive backs spot vacated when Vance Joseph left to be defensive coordinator in Miami. And Friday defensive line coach Jay Hayes left to take the same position in Tampa Bay.
“We’ve tried to cultivate coaches from within and have them continue to grow into leadership positions,” Lewis said. “They have input along with the other staff and the coordinators. You’re able to know when people are to the point that they’re a contributor like that. As their role expands, the responsibility expands. We’re fortunate to continue with adding people to the staff that have those kind of qualities.”
Zampese interviewed for a few other offensive coordinator openings during his 13 years in Cincinnati, but he said he always felt comfortable in Cincinnati.
“I’m a little different than some other guys,” he said. “There are opportunities. Most guys want to jump at the first opportunity they can get. I like being where people have faith in me, they treat me like family. That’s what’s happened here.”
Lewis said he had several long conversations with Zampese before hiring Gruden in 2011. And the two talked again before Lewis promoted Jackson in 2014.
Zampese said he was content to stay in Cincinnati after getting passed over twice in the last five years.
“I never looked at it like that,” he said. “I felt very fortunate to work here and in the NFL, especially here when your input is valued at all times. That goes a long way. It’s always been like that here.”
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