Bengals could be on the verge of total disaster this offseason
The Cincinnati Bengals could be on the verge of total disaster this offseason. Or maybe not. It depends on how the next couple of weeks shakes out. Cincinnati has three extremely important assistants right now that could be on the move soon. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is a strong candidate to become the Arizona Cardinals' […]
The Cincinnati Bengals could be on the verge of total disaster this offseason.
Or maybe not.
It depends on how the next couple of weeks shakes out.
Cincinnati has three extremely important assistants right now that could be on the move soon.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is a strong candidate to become the Arizona Cardinals' new head coach while offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is a candidate to become the Indianapolis Colts' new head coach (though who knows what Jim Irsay will do in Indy).
Quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher, the Bengals' "offensive coordinator in waiting", could also be on the move. Pitcher is set to interview a second time for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator position.
Pitcher recently signed an extension to remain in Cincy, but he could still leave for a promotion.
The assumption has been that Pitcher will wait to take over for Callahan as Cincy's offensive coordinator. But the fact that he's still interviewing for jobs suggests that he'll either be the Bengals' offensive coordinator in 2023 or he'll be someone else's offensive coordinator.
That means Pitcher likely isn't going to wait around to see if Callahan leaves if the Bucs (or another NFL team) make a job offer.
The Colts seem to be moving slowly with their hire. It's possible that Pitcher could receive an offer from Tampa before Indy makes anyone an offer.
If that's the case, then the Bengals could easily lose Callahan, Pitcher, and Anarumo this offseason. That would be Zac Taylor's top three assistants. It would also mean a lot of change for the defense and for Joe Burrow and the offense.
Change is inevitable when a franchise has success. Other teams will poach assistants. But part of the reason the Bengals have had so much success under Taylor is because of the continuity of the coaching staff.
That continuity, however, could completely disappear this offseason.
We'll see what happens in the coming weeks, but the Bengals could be dealing with a very tough scenario this offseason.
Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
