Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan had drawn the interest of only one team needing a new head coach until earlier Monday. Now, though, he is set to be a finalist with the first squad to reach out to him.
The Colts are reaching out to Callahan to conduct a second interview with him, reports Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
He adds that the sit-down could take place as soon as this Wednesday. In that event, it would precede his (first) interview with the Cardinals by one day.
Callahan, like Cincinnati DC Lou Anarumo, has put himself on the HC radar with his unit’s performances in recent years in particular.
Part of head coach Zac Taylor‘s first Bengals staff in 2019, Callahan joined the AFC North squad following stints as the quarterbacks coach of the Lions and Raiders.
His first career OC gig began with underwhelming numbers, to say the least. The Bengals ranked 30th, then 29th in scoring in 2019 and 2020, as the team struggled during the opening campaigns of the Taylor era.
Things started to change dramatically last year, however, as quarterback Joe Burrow began to turn into the MVP-caliber player he has since become.
The Bengals ranked seventh in the league in points for each of the past two seasons, which has seen the franchise play in consecutive AFC title games and make one Super Bowl appearance.
Much of Cincinnati’s success has come through the air, with the team ranking top-10 in passing yards over that span but outside the top 20 in the NFL on the ground.
That comes as little surprise, given the formidable presence of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd as wideouts.
Callahan’s tenure has also seen strong play at the running back position, though, with Joe Mixon enjoying a career year in 2021.
Callahan interviewed for the first time with the Colts earlier this month as part of their lengthy search for their full-time bench boss.
Controversial interim hire Jeff Saturday remains in the running despite the nature in which his brief tenure unfolded. Callahan represents one several other staffers being seriously considered alongside him, however.
Here is an updated look at the Colts’ search:
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed Jan. 12; in finalist mix
- Rich Bisaccia, special teams coordinator (Packers): Interviewed Jan. 20; second interview scheduled
- Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed Jan. 20; second interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Conducted second interview Jan. 26
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed Jan. 14
- Jim Harbaugh, head coach (Michigan): Mentioned as candidate, to remain at Michigan or join Broncos?
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed Jan. 13; plans to stay with Lions
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed Jan. 22
- Don Martindale, defensive coordinator (Giants): Planning second interview
- Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator (Rams): Conducted second interview Jan. 27
- Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator (Cowboys): Second interview scheduled for Jan. 28; to stay with Cowboys
- DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview on hold; Colts still want to meet; prefers Texans’ job
- Jeff Saturday, interim head coach (Colts): Conducted second interview Jan. 25
- Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed Jan. 14; second interview scheduled
- Bubba Ventrone, special teams coordinator (Colts): Interviewed Jan. 11; in finalist mix
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