Bengals fire OC

[ace63]

Bob Bratkowski joined the Bengals in 2001.

Updated: 4:40 p.m.

The Bengals dismissed offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski on Monday even as their search for a replacement continues.

It is believed that is going to be the only change on an offensive staff that has taken the bulk of the heat for the Bengals' 4-12 season and indications are it is going to be an outside hire.

"It's a tough business and sometimes change is inevitable when things don't go well," texted left tackle Andrew Whitworth. "But we all share in the blame. Everyone could be better.

"Respected him as a coach and think of him as a friend," he said. "Wish him and his family the best."

The move ends 10 seasons under Bratkowski in which the offense came up with some of the best performances in club history, including the 2005 season in which quarterback Carson Palmer set the season passing mark, running back Rudi Johnson broke his own club rushing record and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco broke his own yards record.

But the offense slid from its top 10 standing following Palmer's elbow injury in a 2008 season he missed 12 games and Ochocinco and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh were saddled with contract concerns.

The Bengals bounced back to win the AFC North in 2009 despite finishing 24th in NFL offense and when the offense only moved up 20th this past season following a bevy of moves at wide receiver and tight end, the heat intensified. Runnning back Cedric Benson and wide receiver Terrell Owens questioned the coaches more than once.

Benson, a free agent who says the Bengals are still on his radar, said Monday he agrees with the move. He didn't back off his belief that the Bengals need to recapture more of the smashmouth style that defined the 2009 playoff run. And he thinks they have enough talent even with the looming departures of Owens and fellow wide receiver Chad Ochocinco.

"It's good to see the Bengals making some moves," Benson said. "It's not just about going back to that '09 style, but being able to fit everything together and use our talent. And we've got a lot of talent and I don't see any drop off if those guys (Owens and Ocho) don't come back.

Bengals web page"

[2trap_4ever]

I don't know what is better news in this story, the OC being fired or the fact that Cedric just might come back to Cincy next year, for him I know who ever the new OC is has to have a more smashmouth style, if that is the case I believe Cedric does come back next year.