The Next Coach Should Be...

[*SHRacerX*]

Remember, I said "should" not "will" and in this town, there is an appreciable difference between those two terms. Like, the Bengals "should" move on from Marvin. The Bengals "should" be playing a much more inspired game after the continuous NFL rectal exam. The Bengals "should" change their game because what they are doing isn't working worth a damn.

But, I would offer that the next Bengals coach should be....Jim Harbaugh.

Hear me out. I know he is killing it in Michigan, both financially and on the field, but I can't imagine he likes the fact that his brother has a Super Bowl ring and he does not. Recruiting is also an exhausting process and getting top players to Northern climates is a real challenge.

Here is what it would take: Marvin is offered a co-GM position to stay with the Bengals, wiping out the last year of his contract but extending the term. I don't expect him to accept it.

Jim Harbaugh is making $7 million per year at Michigan. It was just increased from $5 million. The Bengals would have to offer him $8 million per year. That is the top of the NFL coaches salaries (Peyton is #1, several are near that...if you want to win, you have to pay for a top coach). Marvin was making $4.5 million per year. I know the Bengals were paying over $8 million to have Hue, Gruden, and Marvin all on the same team at one point, and they were paying Zimmer quite a bit to be here at the same time as Marvin as well.

Hiring Harbaugh would do several things:

1.) Demonstrate a commitment to winning and not just managing costs (I'm sure that is bound to be cut and pasted and replied to by many with profanity...again "should", not necessarily "will")

2.) Get a toughness on your team. I have been amazed at what Harbaugh has done in the past with lesser rosters.

3.) Bring more money to the NFL from Cincinnati. Say what you will about Harbaugh, but he attracts a crowd and he has personality. More eyes watching Cincinnati equals more dollars. Hell, I would even consider getting something stupid like a jersey that said "Harbaugh" with number 1.

4.) (This one is more for us)- Not put up with BS officiating. Think this guy would care if he was fined for being outspoken? Hell, no. And he wouldn't put up with the crap Marvin swallows on a weekly basis. Marv is afraid of upsetting the league. Harbaugh is afraid of nothing except losing.

Everyone will crap on this idea, but the Bengals already missed out on the coaches they SHOULD have hired. (Hue and Zimmer). I think Harbaugh would want to get back in the NFL. And to be in the same division as his brother? The NFL would love it. I want to see it.