By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Steve Mooshagian, the Bengals' wide receivers coach since 1999, will interview next week for the job of head coach at Division I-AA Sacramento State.

Mooshagian said he plans to fly to his native California to speak with Sacramento State athletic director Terry Wanless.

"It's something I want to look at," Mooshagian said. "I'm from Los Angeles. The program is built up to where it has a lot of potential. I would be close to a lot of family. I have 10 years in the California system."

Mooshagian was an assistant coach from 1985-94 at Fresno State, his alma mater, where he played wide receiver. He also was offensive coordinator at Nevada-Reno in 1996 and at the University of Pittsburgh in 1998-99.

Sacramento State, which finished 5-7 overall and 3-4 in the Big Sky Conference, is looking to replace John Volek. He was 31-56-1 in eight years.

Under Mooshagian, the Bengals this season have four wide receivers with 30 or more receptions for the first time in franchise history. Heading into today's finale against the Bills, Chad Johnson has 63 receptions and is the first Bengals receiver since 1999 to have more than 1,000 receiving yards.

Peter Warrick has 50 receptions, topping that mark for the third consecutive season. Ron Dugans has a career-high 46 receptions, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh has 38.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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