Don't look for many, if any, changes on the coaching staff, even after a 4-11-1 season. Marvin Lewis might have the most job security in the NFL, though his six-year record is slightly below .500.
Changes will come to the offense. Either one of the two star wide receivers, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco, might not be back next season.
COACHING CAROUSEL: Marvin Lewis has two seasons remaining on his contract, which call for him to make $7 million overall. Mike Brown won't pay him not to coach, plus Brown still is enthusiastic about his coach.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and his staff are safe. Despite the team's No. 32 rankings in yards and points scored, the Bengals offensive staff is solid, too. Coordinator Bob Bratkowski, offensive line coach Paul Alexander and wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard -- possibly the most at-risk on the staff -- all are signed through at least 2009. They're going nowhere, either.
FREE AGENT UPDATE: The Bengals might use their franchise tag on WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who would prefer a multiyear deal.
TB Cedric Benson and S Chris Crocker were midseason acquisitions off the street who have played their way into the team's long-term plans. Benson, in fact, now seems to be the long-term answer at tailback with consecutive 100-yard games.
Familiar faces Shayne Graham and John Thornton could be working elsewhere next season. Graham is likely to get huge money, but is a kicker worth it? Thornton might re-sign for smaller salary as a backup defensive tackle.
RT Stacy Andrews' serious knee injury clouds the future for the one-time franchise player.
Crocker impressed his teammates and coaches as a playmaker, while CB Jamar Fletcher is experienced but has lost a step.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is best-suited as a top backup.
FEELING A DRAFT: The Bengals will draft sixth overall in April. They have needs on the offensive line (center and tackle), tailback (but not necessarily on Day 1), defensive tackle and linebacker. Management was pleased it dropped to sixth in the draft so it doesn't have to pay the No. 1 or 2 money.
TEAM NEEDS
Defensive end/outside linebacker: The pass rush was non-existent in 2008, and speed off the edge is needed. The Bengals had just 17 sacks.
Center: Eric Ghiaciuc was pushed around way too often, and the Bengals could go for a top prospect at this position as early as Round 2.
Defensive tackle: Despite the development of rookie Pat Sims in 2008, the Bengals need another big body that can stop the run and pressure the passer.
MEDICAL WATCH: RT Stacy Andrews, who tore the ACL and other ligaments in his right knee in Week 16 at Cleveland, said Monday that his surgery will be Jan. 5. Dr. Angelo Colosimo will perform the operation.
Coach Marvin Lewis said that LB Keith Rivers will have an ankle cleanout and that CB David Jones will have his knee worked on.
CB Johnathan Joseph (foot) and S Marvin White (knee) are doing well following surgery.
OL Andrew Whitworth (ankle), DE Robert Geathers (knee) and DE Frostee Rucker (hamstring) are healing well, Lewis said, following their season-ending injuries.
Lewis is not sure whether WR Chad Ocho Cinco will require surgery on his ailing shoulder.
