The Cincinnati Bengals have hired Mike Zimmer to serve as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Zimmer replaces Chuck Bresnahan, who was fired earlier this month.  Zimmer, 51, spent 2007 with the Falcons as defensive coordinator.  He previously spent 13 years with the Cowboys and 15 seasons at the college level.

Zimmer employed a 4-3 in Atlanta, but used a 3-4 in Dallas.  It’s unknown which scheme the Bengals will use in 2008.