The Cincinnati Bengals have made a bold decision to retain head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin despite a disappointing 6-11 season that saw the team miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Team owner Mike Brown expressed his confidence in both leaders, affirming that they are essential to moving the Bengals forward after what has been described as a frustrating season.
Addressing concerns about Taylor’s future, Brown stated that the organization remains committed to building a competitive team capable of contending for championships, emphasizing their trust in Taylor and Tobin’s vision for the team. This commitment stands out during a time when numerous franchises have opted for changes in their coaching departments; as of now, a quarter of NFL teams have fired their head coaches following a lackluster season.
While the Bengals’ record marked a significant downturn compared to previous seasons, where they achieved back-to-back Super Bowl and AFC Championship appearances, Brown insists that the leadership in place has the ability to return the team to its expected level of success. He pointed out that the Bengals entered the 2025 season with lofty aspirations following four consecutive winning records.
Taylor’s tenure with the Bengals has seen a total coaching record of 52-63-1, with a win percentage that, while not stellar, is better than that of many coaches who were recently let go. Notably, despite the Bengals’ down season, only four out of nine teams with equal or worse records decided to change coaches.
As the Bengals prepare for the offseason, Brown assured fans that the organization is taking a comprehensive approach to improvements, acknowledging the challenges faced but expressing determination to build a championship-caliber roster. His sentiment reflects a sense of hope that the team could rebound and reclaim its spot among the league’s elite in the coming years. Fans will be watching closely as Taylor speaks in a press conference scheduled shortly, eager for insights on how the team plans to elevate its performance for the 2026 season.