Zac Taylor addresses mounting criticism and uncertainty surrounding Bengals’ future
CINCINNATI – In the wake of his offense experiencing an unprecedented shutout for the first time in his seven-season tenure, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the intensifying criticism. Fans and analysts alike have grown increasingly vocal, questioning his leadership and decision-making. However, Taylor insists he remains insulated from this external pressure.
“There’s a brick wall surrounding me and isolating me from any feelings people have about me or their views on me,” Taylor stated firmly. “That has no bearing on me whatsoever. I can’t allow that to dictate how I operate. Truthfully, that doesn’t affect me in any way, shape or form.”
Taylor’s resolve is evident as he reflects on the team’s performance. “This year certainly hasn’t been good enough with the record we’re at right now. I get that. But I’m just going to keep doing everything I can to get this team ready to play on Sunday.” The uncertainty surrounding his future, however, looms larger with each passing game.
Future in question
As the Bengals approach the conclusion of the season, the pivotal decision regarding Taylor’s fate rests solely with Bengals owner and president Mike Brown. The season finale against the Cleveland Browns on January 5 will serve as the critical juncture. Questions abound: If the Bengals finish with a record of 7-10, will that be enough for Taylor to secure an eighth season? Conversely, could a dismal 4-13 mark lead to an inevitable dismissal? Only Brown knows the answer, and he may already have formed an opinion as he observes from his office.
For his part, Taylor is not waiting until the final whistle to assess his performance. “I do that every week. Honestly, since the early part of the season, I try to reflect on every game, every schedule on things I would change, things I’d do differently, things I’ve learned from,” he explained. “There’s more big picture things after the season that you’ll focus on with everybody. But we’re not there yet.”
Shared uncertainty among coaching staff
The uncertainty is not limited to Taylor alone; every member of the coaching staff is acutely aware that their jobs may be on the line. The reality of potential layoffs looms, but the challenge lies in maintaining focus on their current responsibilities. “You know what comes with the territory with this job,” said offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. “There’s times when you’re a genius, and everything you touch turns to gold. And then there’s times where you’re an idiot, and you have no idea what you’re doing. If you listen to either of those, they’re both wrong. You just put your head down and forge ahead.”
Defensive coordinator Al Golden finds himself in a similar predicament, facing frustration over his unit’s underwhelming performance. Having previously endured a similar experience as the head coach of a struggling University of Miami team, Golden understands the importance of emotional distance. “You get callous to it (criticism),” he noted. “You get to a point where you don’t take it personal. You try to be professional. I get it. Third and 7, they scored a touchdown. I would be critical, too. And if I was a fan, I’d be angry, too.”
Golden admires Taylor’s consistent demeanor amid the storm. “He’s the same guy every day. He truly cares about the staff, the culture, the players. And the players respond to that. He’s as good as anybody at blocking out the noise.”
A literary perspective on challenges
To emphasize his point, Golden referenced a well-known literary figure, quoting Rudyard Kipling. “He’s been around long enough; he’ll tell you he’s seen both sides of the spectrum. And you’ve got to treat both of those imposters the same.” The two imposters in Kipling’s poem “If” are Triumph and Disaster, and they poignantly reflect the duality that Taylor and his staff must navigate.
The biggest question facing the Bengals, and indeed Taylor himself, is the uncertainty of what the future holds as they approach 2026. The upcoming weeks will determine not just the fate of the season but potentially the long-term trajectory of the franchise.
