CINCINNATI – Cincinnati chili can be an acquired taste. Locals love it, though outsiders can be taken aback by the cocoa and cinnamon inside the concoction, or the fact that it’s often served on top of spaghetti, all covered with cheese.
Paul Guenther isn’t a huge fan.
“I never got into it,” Guenther said. “But my kids were born there and they really like it.”
The Raiders defensive coordinator isn’t a native, which explains his cautiousness toward the chili, but essentially grew up as an NFL coach in Cincinnati. He was hired as an assistant position coach back in 2005, climbed the ladder and eventually became an accomplished defensive coordinator for the Bengals.