Both coaches originally joined the Bengals in 1997.
The defensive overhaul for the Cincinnati Bengals continues, as two more assistants will not return for the 2025 season.
According to WLWT reporter Charlie Clifford, Bengals senior defense assistant Mark Duffner and defensive quality control coach Louie Cioffi have been let go.
Bengals senior defense assistant Mark Duffner and defensive quality control coach Louie Cioffi also will not return to the team next season per source.
That makes five departures from Cincinnati’s 2024 staff on the defensive side of ball.
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) January 12, 2025
Duffner was hired as the team’s linebackers coach from 1997-2000, then was promoted to defensive coordinator from 2001-02. He would re-join the franchise as a senior defensive assistant in 2019 as part of Zac Taylor’s first coaching staff.
Cioffi also joined the Bengals in 1997 and remained through the 2010 season when he worked as an assistant defensive backs coach. After leaving the team, Cioffi returned in the 2021 season as a quality control coach.
Here is a recap of the coaches Cincinnati has parted with this offseason.
- Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo
- Offensive line coach Frank Pollack
- Defensive line coach Marion Hobby
- Linebackers coach James Bettcher
- Senior defensive assistant Mark Duffner
- Defensive quality control coach Louie Cioffi