Three former players that should join the Bengals’ staff

The Cincinnati Bengals should consider bringing these three former players on to their coaching staff.

Yesterday, the Carolina Panthers announced that they would be bringing back one of their former stars, Luke Kuechly, as a pro scout. It was a wise play to keep a fan favorite closely associated with the team after what many considered an early retirement from the uber-athletic linebacker. Perhaps the Cincinnati Bengals should consider making a similar move.

The current coaching staff already wields several former players. Everybody knows head coach Zac Taylor had an admirable career at Nebraska before dabbling in the NFL and CFL, but the rest of the regime is full of guys with playing experience. For example, defensive line coach Nick Eason played 11 seasons in the league and cornerbacks coach Steve Jackson was a member of the Tennessee Titans in the ’90s.

The benefits of bringing former players into the fold in some capacity are numerous. These guys demand respect instantly and provide experience that can’t be acquired in any other way. They can offer a unique way of teaching concepts compared to coaches that haven’t played at the highest level and understand the grind that current players go through on a more intimate level.

Whether it be as a scout, an assistant coach, a consultant, or some other sort of position, the Bengals should consider finding roles for these three former players.