Bengals’ inspiring offseason sets a firm bar for head coach Zac Taylor to reach in order to keep his job
It’s as close to do-or-die time for Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor as it’s ever been. The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. believes he needs to get back to the postseason to stick around.
It’s as close to do-or-die time for Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor as it’s ever been.
In his recent mailbag, The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. wrote the Bengals need to reach the playoffs or else Taylor could be a casualty of the club hitting the “restart button.”
Now, to your question, what’s the leash? You’re right, this team needs to make the postseason. Anything shy feels like the restart button gets hit. I don’t think a deep run is necessary; there’s too much nuance involved in how that goes down to paint with a broad brush. For instance, if they went 14-3 and were upset in the first round, he’s not going anywhere. If they finish 9-8 and lose in the first round, it’s probably a discussion.
Paul Dehner jr.
The Athletic's Bengals beat writer
Why Zac Taylor needs the Bengals to win more than anyone else
Metric tons of pressure found Taylor’s shoulders once the Bengals decided to keep him following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Cincy finished 6-11, and would watch the playoffs from home for a third consecutive year.
Every other coach in the AFC North was let go in some way, shape, or form. Taylor remaining as the only incumbent only adds to the pressure.
Taylor needs to coach winning football again for the sake of urgency, and because the situation around him, from Joe Burrow to the roster as a whole, has become as good as it could be.
Of all the ripple effects from the Bengals’ big offseason, one of the most notable is all the pressure on Taylor. There is no other fall guy if things don’t work this year. Barring injury, nobody will point fingers at Burrow. The front office earned a reprieve with a strong offseason, and even the quarterback told people “we have everything we need” and to back off the personnel department.
Paul dehner jr.
The Athletic's Bengals beat writer
Burrow told the world this is the “most talented roster” he’s ever been a part of since the Bengals drafted him in 2020. He casually called an incoming Super Bowl victory. The bar has been raised quite high after a disappointing three-year stretch.
The only thing that has remained truly consistent is the coach. Taylor reset his defensive staff last year. Burrow has been in and out of the lineup due to injury. The front office took a leap it had never taken before in trading for Dexter Lawrence on top of adding to the defense around him.
It’s all set up for Taylor to lead in the right direction, or else finding a new leader is going to be the focal point of the next offseason.
Cincinnati is historically patient with its coaches. Taylor’s career record of 52-63-1 while making just two postseason trips in seven years may not be enough to keep employment with other franchises. The Bengals have stayed the course, and done what they can to make Taylor’s job easier.
It’s time for him to make the most of it.