The Bengals are in need of a new defensive coordinator following the Minnesota Vikings' decision to hire Mike Zimmer as their new head coach.
Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer is among those reporting the move Wednesday morning.
Zimmer spent six seasons with the Bengals, where he became one of the most respected coordinators in the league.
The Bengals finished third in the NFL this season in yards allowed (305.5 per game) and tied for fifth in points allowed per game (19.1) despite a myriad of injuries, including season-enders to star defensive tackle Geno Atkins and cornerback Leon Hall.
The Vikings were last in the league in scoring defense at 30.0 per game.
Before coming to Cincinnati, Zimmer was defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons.
Zimmer is the second Bengals coordinator to leave for a head coaching position this season, following Jay Gruden, who was hired by the Washington Redskins.
Fired up about Coach Zimmer! As a Cincy kid he's been fun to watch there and can't wait to work with him! Welcome to the @Vikings!
— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph82) January 15, 2014
Hue Jackson was promoted from running backs coach to replace Gruden.
