Updated: 2:40 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS - Former Bengals defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan could be the next defensive coordinator in Oakland, where he's already been hired as linebackers coach by old friend Hue Jackson.
They talked about teaming up ever since they coached together in Cincinnati from 2004-2006 and when Raiders boss Al Davis hired Jackson to run the club last month Bresnahan sent Davis an e-mail that said, "Perfect hire." Jackson is a California guy that likes to jack the ball deep, Davis-style.
Bresnahan also worked with and for Jay Gruden the past two years for Florida's UFL franchise, and he predicts he'll have the same impact on the Bengals offense. Ten years ago, Bresnahan worked for Gruden's brother Jon in Oakland.
"He's going to be thoroughly prepared every week. He knows what he believes in and he stays with it," Bresnahan said of Jay on Sunday during a break in the combine. "His commitment to his style of offense, he has a passion for it and feels very strongly about it. He's going to challenge you. He's a little bit like his brother, yet he's completely different.
"He's his own guy. That's something he's always very cautious of it. Being related to Jon too much, and his individualism. He's got his own mindset. Having spent that time with Jon in Tampa helped him with the outdoor game, but he knows football."
Bresnahan said people are making a mistake if they derisively classify Gruden "an Arena League" coach. He said Gruden didn't think about jumping to the NFL until now because of his family situation in Orlando, Fla.
"That's nothing," Bresnahan said. "He's the son of a football coach. He's the brother of a football coach. He knows football. And he'll have a great relationship with the players, great interaction with the players, the whole deal. He's had some other opportunities. He's just one of these guys that family is very important to him and the setup that he's had in Orlando with the Predators as a player and a coach in the Arena League and then have the UFL opportunity (in Orlando) it's been great for him. He knew when the timing would be right and obviously it is right now. I'm really happy and excited for him. And I think it's going to be fun. I think they'll feel his energy and passion for the game. It's going to trickle down to his coaching staff and down to the players."
