Someone had to take the blame in Cincinnati. After scoring just 9 points in the first two home games of the season, offensive coordinator Ken Zampese was relieved of his duties. Quarterback coach Bill Lazor will assume play-calling responsibilities. The Bengals obviously hope to right the ship as they are now 0-2 on the young season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report the news:
The #Bengals are expected to fire OC Ken Zampese, sources say. After two games without a touchdown, Zampese is out.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2017
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis did express his frustrations following the loss to the Texans. Lewis, a defensive-minded head coach, could be on the hot seat as well considering Lewis has failed to win a playoff game during his head coaching tenure with the Bengals.
“We have to get better but I’m never going to come in here and tell you anything we’re going to do with one another,” Lewis said when asked about potential staff changes (via Cincinnati.com). “What we do is private to us.”
Zampese has spent the past 15 years with the organization and first arrived with Carson Palmer. Frankly, it’s hard to blame Zampese for the offensive failures as Andy Dalton has not been the same since Jay Gruden left town.