Bengals Confirm Zac Taylor Will Return as Head Coach

The Cincinnati Bengals have made it clear—they’re keeping head coach Zac Taylor for an eighth season. This decision comes after a tough 6-11 record this past season, which was marred by the loss of quarterback Joe Burrow for nine games due to a toe injury. Additionally, Duke Tobin, who manages football operations, will continue in his role. Bengals owner Mike Brown expressed confidence in Taylor and Tobin, stating they are “the right leaders to take us forward.”

In a statement, Brown remarked, “They’ve shown they can build and lead a championship-caliber team. We believe in their plan and are eager to return to the level of success they aim for,” especially after missing the playoffs for the third straight year.

Throughout Taylor’s time with the Bengals, the team managed to reach the playoffs twice, highlighted by a Super Bowl trip in the 2021 season and an AFC Championship game appearance in 2022. However, this season was challenging, as they started strong with two wins but then fell into a slump, losing ten of their next twelve games.

There were reports circulating during the season about Taylor’s contract extension, which reportedly runs through 2027, following their AFC Championship run in 2022. In December, Taylor commented on the contract, saying, “I don’t think it really matters. I coach every day like it’s my last.” He reminisced about earlier years when he coached under pressure, thinking that any game could be his last. “This year is no different; I approach adversity as if every game might be my last,” he added.

However, his tenure hasn’t been all smooth sailing. Taylor faced tough seasons in 2020 and 2023, compounded by injuries, particularly to Burrow, who missed a large part of last season with a turf toe problem.

Before joining the Bengals, Taylor had coaching stints at Texas A&M, the Miami Dolphins, the University of Cincinnati, and the Los Angeles Rams.

Looking ahead, the Bengals hold the No. 10 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.