The NFL is still keeping eyes on ascending Bengals ascending coach after he had multiple teams looking to hire him away this year
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher is taking part in the NFL’s new-look accelerator program this week during NFL owners meetings.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher is set to take part in the 2026 NFL accelerator program.
Pitcher is one of 16 coaches among 34 total names attending the program at the NFL owners meetings this week in Orlando, Florida.
Pitcher has been Cincy’s OC since the 2024 season. He’s fresh off a hiring cycle in which he interviewed for the Cleveland Browns head coaching job. He also interviewed to be the play-calling offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
The 39-year old has immense influence on the Bengals’ explosive offense. Offensive minds are still the most likely candidates to become new head coaches. It’s no surprise to see Pitcher be included in the new-look program.
What Dan Pitcher’s inclusion in the NFL accelerator program means
Pitcher is going to remain in the conversation of future head coaches so long as Cincinnati remains an offensive powerhouse. He’s taken the traditional steps to his position after biding his time as an assistant and quarterbacks coach. His direct involvement with Joe Burrow’s success is an attractive bullet point on his resume.
His likelihood and readiness to be promoted in the near future is why the program is including him this week.
The accelerator used to incentivize increasing diversity in leadership roles around the league and feature significantly more coaches and personnel members. It paused in 2025 and has shifted to assistant coaches and executives who are truly primed to take the next step. A memo from the league explained the change:
The May Accelerator has been thoughtfully redesigned to provide a more personalized leadership development experience, with a focus on individual growth and long-term impact. The program now prioritizes senior-level talent and creates more meaningful opportunities to connect with club ownership and with one another. These connections are designed to strengthen relationships and build stronger bridges between coaching staffs and front offices.
NFL Memo from March 11
The Athletic's Mike Jones
It’s essentially a networking opportunity for coaches and execs, like Pitcher, to connect with other clubs who may hire them in the future. Pitcher isn’t going anywhere this year, but if the Bengals have a really successful season and the offense shines, he could have multiple opportunities to become the second HC hired from Zac Taylor‘s coaching staff.
He’ll have a chance to make his name known even more in Central Florida this week.