Long-time offensive line guru Jim McNally, who coached on the two Bengals Super Bowl teams, is returning as a consultant.
McNally, 68, adds the Bengals to his growing list of camps and clinics he conducts throughout the year. While continuing to live in Buffalo, McNally plans to stop in Cincinnati for a couple of days during the offseason, spring camp, and training camp while doing mostly film work.
"It's a fresh set of eyes from afar that can look at our team and other teams and offer valuable insights," said offensive line coach Paul Alexander. "I'm excited about it. We're talking about the guy that taught me pro football."
McNally coached his first 15 of 28 NFL seasons in Cincinnati from 1980-94 and reached guru status with the development of Hall of Fame left tackle Anthony Muñoz in a run that included two AFC championships.
Alexander, who began his Bengals career in 1994, succeeded McNally as line coach in 1995.
"It's the type of thing where he can watch us, watch teams we're going to play, and say, 'I think this might work,' " Alexander said. "Jim is really good at that kind of thing and he'll be a big help to us."
McNally, who moved on to Carolina, the Giants, and his hometown Bills before getting out of coaching after the 2007 season, is just coming off a similar consulting stint with the Jets. He won't work on the field with Alexander but they'll spend their time in the meeting room. McNally's post-coaching career has been stocked with camps and clinics and he has a week-long appointment in Germany next month.
"Once a Bengal, always a Bengal," McNally said. "It's the same thing with the University of Buffalo. I've got my daughters still in Cincinnati and those were great years for me and my family. I'm excited to be back working with Paul."
McNally, who never missed getting off a good line, clearly relishes his consultant's role. Reminded of one of his best lines ("This would be a great job if you didn't have to play games"), he said, "You still want to help win games."
