The Bengals today hired Matt Burke as linebackers coach. Burke has 10 seasons of NFL experience, including the last five as linebackers coach for the Detroit Lions.
Burke replaces Paul Guenther, who was promoted earlier this week from Bengals linebackers coach to defensive coordinator.
“We’re fortunate to get a coach of Matt’s quality and experience to move into this spot,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “Matt has come up under the system of Jim Schwartz, starting with Jim at the Tennessee Titans and then moving on when Jim got the head coaching job at Detroit. He was one of Jim’s hand-picked guys, and I think most people know how much I respect Jim as a friend and colleague.
Burke, 37, helped lead a Lions defense that ranked sixth in the NFL against the run in 2013. He was instrumental in the development of LBs Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy at Detroit. Both players joined the Lions during his tenure. The linebackers led the Lions in total tackles in 2012.
Prior to joining the Lions, Burk spent five seasons on the Tennessee Titans coaching staff, working as an administrative assistant and defensive assistant. He coached three seasons in the college ranks before entering the NFL.
