By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ex-Ravens (and current Redskins) defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis is the front-runner for the Bengals head coaching job. (AP/file photo) | ZOOM |

MOBILE, Ala. - Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey will have a second interview with Bengals officials today to discuss their vacant head-coaching position.

Reached at his Pittsburgh-area home Sunday, Mularkey said he was making flight arrangements to get to Mobile - where the Senior Bowl will be played Saturday - and meet with Bengals president Mike Brown.

"I'm not that sure about the time yet, but I'm definitely going," said Mularkey, who added he hasn't had enough time to prepare for the interview.

Practices for the college football all-star game begin today.

Mularkey's first interview with the Bengals was Jan.4 in Pittsburgh, the day before the Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns in an AFC wild-card playoff game. His second interview will come two days after the Tennessee Titans defeated Pittsburgh 34-31 in overtime.

Mularkey said he is tired but definitely interested in speaking again with the Bengals.

Mularkey is the third outside candidate to receive a second in-person interview. Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis completed a second round of interviews Thursday and Friday.

The Associated Press, citing two unnamed sources, reported Sunday that Lewis remains the favorite candidate of Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn, Brown's daughter and heir apparent.

Tom Coughlin also interviewed twice with the Bengals, flying to Cincinnati on Thursday for a second interview. Close associates of Coughlin say the former Jacksonville Jaguars coach and general manager presented a plan to beef up the Bengals' scouting department that wasn't met favorably by Brown.

The Bengals' decision on a new head coach is expected to be announced Tuesday. Dick LeBeau was fired after his team went 2-14 this season.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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