The Cincinnati Bengals have fired offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski after 10 seasons in the position. Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) – The Cincinnati Bengals have fired offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski after 10 seasons in the position. The move is the biggest of the Bengals’ offseason so far, and is likely to be the greatest change to their offensive personnel. The team announced earlier this month that Marvin Lewis will return as head coach, and president Mike Brown said last week he turned down quarterback Carson Palmer’s trade request. Bratkowski’s offenses had some good seasons, particularly in 2005, when the Bengals finished fourth in the league with 26.3 points per game and won the AFC North. Cincinnati also won the division last season, but ranked 22nd in the NFL in scoring. The Bengals were 22nd in scoring again this past year, averaging 20.1 points per game on the way to a 4-12 record. © 2011 The Sports Network

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NEW YORK (Reuters) – The Cincinnati Bengals have dismissed offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski after a 10-year run that ended with last year’s 4-12 season, the NFL club said on its website (www.bengals.com) Monday. The Bengals, who in the middle of Bratkowski’s tenure were considered to possess one of the league’s best offenses, have slipped since the 2008 season when quarterback Carson Palmer was plagued by an elbow injury. Cincinnati bounced back to win the AFC North in 2009 despite being rated 24th in offense, with the squad moving up only four places on the list this past season after making numerous moves to bolster Palmer’s receiving corps. Earlier this month head coach Marvin Lewis talked about how his offense lacked an identity and that he wanted major changes to make things easier for Palmer. (Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by Steve Ginsburg)

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The Cincinnati Bengals’ Monday firing of longtime offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski could be the first sign that coach Marvin Lewis owns more control of the team after signing his recent contract extension. Part of Lewis’ return hinged on him having more say in all personnel matters, even though team owner Mike Brown has the last word. Shortly after Lewis signed the two-year deal in early January, I spoke to someone with the organization who wasn’t sure if the coach would be able to make changes on his offensive staff, which was desired after the Bengals fell to 4-12 following their AFC North title campaign of 2009. Brown’s reluctance for change remained the concern. But by letting go of Bratkowski, who just completed his 10th season and was inherited by Lewis, it’s clear the coach received at least part of his wish, with more changes possibly coming. Bratkowski’s firing came after the Bengals’ staff, including Bratkowski, coached the North team in Saturday’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Keep in mind, the Senior Bowl is where many assistant coaching changes are orchestrated, and Lewis might have been gauging possible replacements if the team doesn’t hire someone who’s already on staff, such as quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese. Bratkowski, who was highly unpopular with fans, changed the Bengals from a successful running team in 2009 to a more pass-oriented team after the free-agent acquisition of wide receiver Terrell Owens and the drafting of tight end Jermaine Gresham and wide receiver Jordan Shipley. Running back Cedric Benson routinely criticized the change in philosophy, and an offensive line that’s built to run the ball was exposed in pass protection. Though quarterback Carson Palmer passed for 3,970 yards, he also tied a career high with 20 interceptions, with blame being thrust on him and poor route integrity by his receivers. Palmer recently requested to be traded and threatened to retire, but Brown said the quarterback won’t be dealt. Firing Bratkowski could be, in part, to appease Palmer. However, from what I’ve been told, Lewis wanted to make the move before Palmer’s recent trade request.

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The Cincinnati Bengals have fired offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and started their search for his replacement, the team announced Monday. “I want to thank Bob for his role in helping us win two division championships, but after reviewing our season in depth, we’ve decided it’s best for the team to make this change at this time,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement released by the team. For more on the Cincinnati Bengals, check out the latest from our bloggers. » Blog Blitz: Bengals Bratkowski, who had served in the role since 2001, oversaw an offense that ranked in the NFL’s top 10 from 2005 to 2007, but 20th or worse in every season since since. “Bob is an intelligent coach and as fine an individual as you will find in the profession,” Bengals owner Mike Brown said in the statement. “Though the time is right for us to make a change, I thank him for his service here and wish him the best.” Lewis and his staff coached the North squad in Saturday’s Senior Bowl, with Bratkowski calling plays in the first half and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese handling duties in the second half. The Bengals have made few changes coming off a 4-12 season. Lewis returned even though the Bengals have just two winning records in the last 20 years. The team also plans to stick with quarterback Carson Palmer, who requested a trade but was denied by Brown. Brown confirmed last Monday that Brad Childress will not serve as the team’s offensive coordinator, which was speculated after the former Minnesota Vikings coach and Lewis had dinner last week. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Bengals have parted ways with offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. The organization released a statement Monday afternoon announcing they have relieved Bratkowski of his duties and a search for his replacement is under way. “I want to thank Bob for his role in helping us win two division championships,” said head coach Marvin Lewis, “but after reviewing our season in depth, we’ve decided it’s best for the team to make this change at this time.” The firing of Bratkowski is a move that Bengals fans have often called for over the past few years. Bratkowski was especially criticized over the past two seasons when the Bengals had great success as a run-first team in 2009, but performed poorly when they switched to a pass-heavy offense in 2010. Bengals owner Mike Brown said during a press conference announcing that Marvin Lewis had re-signed with the team that changes were coming. This is the first change to the coaching staff after the team went 4-12 this past season. “Bob is an intelligent coach and as fine an individual as you will find in the profession,” said Bengals president Mike Brown. “Though the time is right for us to make a change, I thank him for his service here and wish him the best.” Bratkowski was with the Bengals for 10 years, during which the team had only two winning seasons. Carson Palmer asked the organization for a trade because of the lack of success the team has had since he’s been in Cincinnati. Brown said the team would not trade its former number one pick. Running back Cedric Benson who is a free agent, has reportedly said he would consider re-signing with the team if they made changes to the offense. Stay with 9 News and WCPO.com for the latest on this story. Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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