The Cincinnati Bengals have promoted linebackers coach Paul Guenther to lead their defense from next season.

Guenther has been linked with defensive coordinating positions with a number of other teams, but has been handed his new role following Mike Zimmer's exit to the Minnesota Vikings.

Zimmer was rumoured to want Guenther with him in Minnesota, while the Washington Redskins were apparently also keen before he signed his new deal with the Bengals.

Guenther inherits a stingy defense, which ranked third in the NFL this season, giving up just 305.5 yards per game.