The Cincinnati Bengals have hired Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to be their new defensive coordinator, per ESPN's Katherine Terrell.
Austin, 52, is set to replace Paul Guenther, who will take over the Raiders’ defensive coordinator job. Austin spent the past four seasons in charge of the Lions’ defense under Jim Caldwell and spent the three seasons prior as the Ravens' secondary coach.
“It's an honor to join the Bengals organization,” Austin said in a news release. “I look forward to leading an aggressive group of young men and helping them and the team achieve our goals.”
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, who just recently signed a two-year extension to remain with the team amid reports of his possible departure, expressed his excitement to work alongside Austin.
“He is a bright and aggressive coach with a wealth of experience,” Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said in a news release. “I look forward to working alongside him to take full advantage of our talented defensive personnel.”
Austin is known for an aggressive style of defense in Detroit, one which helped the Lions finish third in the league with 32 turnovers forced in 2017. But after finishing second in total defense in his first year with the team, Lions finished a disappointing 27th this season.
Austin will inherit a Cincinnati defense which proved to be the team's strength amid a disappointing 7-9 season. That unit finished 18th in total yards, 11th in sacks, and 16th in scoring defense under Guenther in 2017.