By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The dean of the Bengals' coaching staff is running backs coach Jim Anderson.

He is an African-American who interviewed for the head-coaching position at Stanford University in January but never has been asked to interview for the offensive coordinator's job with the Bengals.

Anderson, 54, has been the Bengals' running backs coach since 1984. One measure of his success is the number of Pro Bowl seasons achieved by Bengals running backs - eight - far more than any other of the team's position coaches.

The Bengals' running backs under Anderson, including current featured back Corey Dillon, are its most productive players.

Another measure of Anderson's success: 10 times in his tenure, the Bengals have finished in the top 10 in rushing, including consecutive No.1 rankings in 1988 and '89.

"We've been involved in one (offensive) system, and I knew people wanted to change," Anderson said when asked if he ever pursued the offensive coordinator's job.

"I knew the system had to be changed, and maybe that's what we should have done a good while ago, change the system. They brought in the right man (Bob Bratkowski, who is white) to do the job. I have no problems with that."

Anderson maintains a positive attitude about his role.

"I've been given the opportunity to coach," he said. "And some places, you coach, but you don't. You know what I mean? I've been given the opportunity to coach here and have input and to be an integral part of the staff and the organization. I certainly do appreciate that."

The other three black coaches on the team's staff are special teams coach Al Roberts, assistant strength and conditioning coach Rodney Holman, and safeties coach Darren Perry.

Anderson is encouraged by the current efforts to promote the hiring of minority coaches, but he is skeptical about the prospects for success. "It's a good thing, but let's be honest: You're not going to pressure the NFL," he said. "It's only words. People do what they want to do. They hire who they want to hire."

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