Bengals’ Zac Taylor Secure, but Dan Pitcher Emerges as Coaching Candidate
CINCINNATI — The future for Bengals head coach Zac Taylor appears stable as the season draws to a close. Expectations are low for any dramatic changes, with insights from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicating that Taylor’s position is safe. “Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor appears to be safe,” Fowler noted, dispelling any immediate concerns regarding his job security.
Dan Pitcher: A Rising Star
While Taylor’s role seems secure, attention is shifting towards the Bengals’ offensive coordinator, Dan Pitcher. Over the past two seasons, Pitcher has made a name for himself, and Fowler pointed out that he could become a sought-after head coaching candidate. “It wouldn’t surprise to see Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher on the interview circuit,” Fowler remarked, highlighting Pitcher’s potential appeal to teams searching for innovative offensive leadership.
A Look at Alternatives
In a landscape where coaching changes are common, Dan Graziano provided an intriguing angle regarding potential successors should the Bengals decide to make a coaching change. He mentioned Joe Brady as a noteworthy option, stating, “Brady would be the guy to watch in Cincinnati if the Bengals did move on from Taylor, but like you, I don’t expect that to happen.”
Brady, who previously guided both Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase during their time at LSU, has a rich history with the Bengals’ quarterback. Burrow’s final season at LSU saw him throw for an astounding 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, with Chase accounting for 1,780 of those yards and 20 touchdowns. Their successful partnership culminated in the Bengals selecting Chase with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Reflecting on their bond, Burrow shared, “Joe and I go way back, way back at this point. He was great for my career. We did some fun things together. We’ve got a great relationship. I look forward to seeing him and talking to him.”
While the Bengals are not currently considering a change at head coach, Brady’s name will likely continue to surface in future discussions, especially if he remains without a head coaching position this cycle.
For those interested in more insights about the Bengals, various platforms offer an in-depth look, from exclusive interviews to detailed film breakdowns. Engaging with these resources can deepen understanding of the team’s dynamics and future prospects.
