Associated Press
 Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese interviewed for the Bears' offensive coordinator position. |
CHICAGO – A new name–and potential front-runner–has emerged in the Bears’ search for an offensive coordinator.
Multiple league sources said Bears coach Lovie Smith spent the day interviewing Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, who is known for his work with Carson Palmer. The 42-year old is regarded as an up and comer and he also has been considered for other offensive coordinator jobs over the last couple of years.
Zampese is under contract with the Bengals, having just signed an extension during the season. But Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and team owner Mike Brown gave the Bears permission to interview Zampese.
It is likely the Bengals will require that the Bears move swiftly if they plan on hiring Zampese, because they will need to start a search for a replacement if he leaves.
Zampese has spent seven seasons with the Bengals. Prior to that, he worked as an assistant on the Rams staff for Mike Martz with Smith. A separate league source said Martz, figuring his chances to become Bears offensive coordinator were limited, recommended Zampese to Smith. Martz also had recommended Zampese to Lewis.
Zampese’s father Ernie Zampese is a longtime NFL assistant coach and offensive coordinator who worked for the Cowboys, Chargers, Rams and Patriots.
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