The Cincinnati Bengals hired Mark Carrier as defensive backs coach and promoted Paul Guenther to linebackers coach, the team announced on Monday.
Carrier comes over from the New York Jets, where he served the last two years as defensive line coach and he was previously the defensive backs coach with the Ravens from 2006-09.
The Southern Cal product was a standout safety for 11 NFL seasons, including stints with the Bears, Lions and Redskins.
"Mark is a great choice for us as he moves back to his old position, coaching the defensive secondary," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. "He experienced success as a coach with two fine NFL defenses, and he will do very well with our group."
Guenther has spent eight years with the Bengals, coaching special teams, defensive backs and linebackers at different points though often in dual-roles.
"Paul is very deserving of this opportunity to continue advancing and to coach a position of his own," Lewis said. "Mike Zimmer (Bengals defensive coordinator) and I both have high confidence levels working with Paul, and we�re excited about what he can bring our defense in this new role."
Carrier's defensive line with the Jets finished fifth in the NFL in a pair of categories: yards per play and yards per game. He replaces Kevin Coyle, recently hired as the Dolphins defensive coordinator.
With Guenther's assistance, the Bengals finished seventh in yards allowed per game and Cincy racked up a fifth-best 45 sacks in 2011. Guenther takes over for Jeff FitzGerald, who was in the post from 2008-11
