Bengals coach Dick LeBeau lost an offensive coordinator candidate Friday when the Pittsburgh Steelers promoted tight ends coach Mike Mularkey to offensive coordinator.

        LeBeau plans to talk with Steelers receivers coach Bob Bratkowski, who previously was Seattle's offensive coordinator for four seasons, and Oregon offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford. Tedford was Bengals quarterback Akili Smith's coordinator in college.

        The Bengals also are expected to seek permission to interview Eagles quarterbacks coach Brad Childress, who helped turn second-year quarterback Donovan McNabb into an MVP candidate.

        LeBeau has said he will interview Kevin Gilbride, fired as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, when their schedules allow.

        LeBeau has interviewed Colts quarterbacks coach Bruce Arians.

        GARRETT'S RETURN: John Garrett, expected to sign a contract soon as Cincinnati's offensive assistant, is happy to be coming back.

        He played wide receiver for the Bengals in 1989 and was an assistant coach from 1995-98. He was hired to coach Arizona's quarterbacks in 1999 and fired by the Cardinals after this season.

        “The Bengals gave me my first opportunity as a player and as a coach, and I have a special feeling for the organization,” Garrett said.

        Garrett, 35, will be responsible for breaking down opponents' film, which will allow other coaches to spend more time teaching their position players.

        His first job with the Bengals will be scouting college offensive players at the upcoming Senior Bowl. LeBeau and Bengals owner Mike Brown have praised Garrett's scouting ability.

        “What I bring to the Bengals is I played wide receiver, I coached them, and I coached quarterbacks,” Garrett said. “I will do whatever Dick asks me to.”

Dillon set to test market Bengals hope more coaches helps Anti-Brown Web site bucks NFL LeBeau loses coordinator candidate

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