Updated: 4:55 p.m.
Mike Zimmer continues to get the accolades for a job well done Tuesday night in Baltimore during a black tie affair when the Bengals defensive coordinator receives the NFL's Assistant Coach of the Year from the Pro Football Writers of America and Pro Football Weekly. Zimmer is sharing the evening with the 32 Ed Block Courage Award winners from each club, which includes Bengals representative Bobbie Williams.
"I'm getting the award, but it just wasn't me. It was players and coaches," Zimmer said of a defense that paved the way for the Bengals' 2009 AFC North title with a No. 4 ranking. "It's an honor to be on the list. Just to be mentioned in the same breath with these guys is a thrill."
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis won it in 2000 as coordinator of a Ravens defense that set the NFL record for allowing the fewest points in a season. Cowboys defensive coordinator Dave Campo won it in 1996 when Zimmer was his secondary coach. Former Bengals head coach Dick LeBeau got it last year and in 2004 as defensive coordinator of the Steelers.
Also on the list is Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel from 2003. Presenting Zimmer Tuesday night is his son Adam Zimmer, one of the recent additions to Crennel's staff in Kansas City as a linebackers coach.
Williams, who has missed just three starts since he came to the Bengals in 2004, went to Baltimore accompanied by his wife and son to accept the trophy that was voted by his teammates.
"The fact that it is an award given by my colleagues and my peers makes it the highest honor I can think of," Williams said.
Williams is a free agent but he's anxiously hoping to return to the Bengals. Lewis made sure he got a hold of him Monday even though he was already in Baltimore.
"Marvin called me and told me they're working on it," Williams said. "I'm just hoping it gets done quickly. The waiting is tough."
DATEBOOK: With the Bengals set to start their offseason workouts March 29, they finalized their spring dates Monday:
April 30-May 2: Rookie minicamp
May 11, 13, 18-20, 25 and 27: Voluntary on-field coaching sessions (OTAs).
June 1-3, 8, 10 and 14: Voluntary on-field coaching sessions (OTAs).
June 15-17: Mandatory minicamp.
