Levon Kirkland always will hold a special place in his heart for the Bengals coach Dick LeBeau.

        LeBeau and Kirkland go back to LeBeau's days as the defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They remained close after LeBeau moved to the Bengals, first as defensive coordinator, then as head coach.

        “I respect him so much,” Kirkland said. “Anybody who plays for him just loves him. We have a very special bond.”

        That does not mean, however, Kirkland definitely will be a Ben gal next season. Thursday, Kirkland became the 17th free agent to visit the Bengals.

        No deal is imminent.

        “I owe it to myself to see other options,” said Kirkland, a two-time All-Pro selection. “The Bengals came at me early in the process.”

        If LeBeau was the only part in the equation, Kirkland probably would have signed Thursday.

        “I have to look at factors other than Coach LeBeau,” Kirkland said. “Whatever team I go to, I'm going to train hard, play hard. I looking for an opportunity to play.”

        The Steelers released Kirkland, 32, in a salary cap move. At 6-foot-1, 270 pounds, he is a classic run-stuffer. The rap on him in Pittsburgh was he wasn't as effec tive in coverage.

        “He can still play,” LeBeau said. “I don't see any difference in him in getting back into center field.”

        Kirkland played much of last year on a sprained ankle. But he is extremely durable. He has not missed a game in nine years as a pro and he didn't miss a game in four years of college ball.

        If the Bengals sign Kirkland, he'll play in the middle with Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons on the outside. Steve Foley probably would go from outside linebacker to defensive end.

        Kirkland has been impressed by the Bengals' young linebackers.

        “I think I can be a positive influence on them,” he said. “I've been on teams that won. They can see how I work, how I approach the game.”

        AKILI THROWS: Akili Smith was at Paul Brown Stadium Thursday working out with Peter Warrick and Michael Basnight. The coaches have asked Smith not to talk to the media until next week. They want him to concentrate on football this week.

        HOLMAN HIRED: The Bengals hired Rodney Holman, the former Pro Bowl tight end, as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, a new position. Holman played with the Bengals from 1982-92.

        He was an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints in 1998-99.

Kirkland keeps options open

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