CINCINNATI — The Bengals are hiring Raiders quarterback coach Brian Callahan to be their new offensive coordinator, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden announced Tuesday.
Asked a question about Callahan at a news conference, Gruden said, “Brian Callahan is no longer with us. He’s going with the Cincinnati Bengals. I believe he’s going to be the offensive coordinator. I’m really proud of him. I’m happy for him, happy for this opportunity.
”We’ve lost a lot of quarterback guys over the years and they’ve all gone on to do great things. I’m sure Brian will do the same,” Gruden said.
Watch the video of Gruden's announcement:
gruden announces brian callahan as the bengals offensive coordinator pic.twitter.com/0A8Hv3BoWB
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) January 22, 2019
The Bengals are waiting to formally announce their new coaching staff, led by Rams QB coach Zac Taylor as head coach, until after the Rams finish their season in the Super Bowl Feb. 3.
The Bengals will be short of play-calling experience at head coach and offensive coordinator. Neither Taylor, 35, nor Callahan, 44, has called plays for their teams.
Callahan was with the Raiders for one year after serving as Lions QB coach for two seasons. He started his nine-year career as an NFL assistant with six years with the Broncos. He started as a coaching assistant in 2010, quality control – offensive coach from 2011-12, offensive assistant in 2013-14 and offensive assistant/quarterbacks coach in 2015.
Callahan's father, Bill Callahan, was Raiders head coach in 2002-03.
Former Jaguars and Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio, 55, is expected to become the Bengals defensive coordinator, according to media reports.
