In the NFL, winning isn't easy. Without your franchise quarterback, winning can often feel impossible.
That increased level of difficulty has been the reality for Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, who has had to lead his team while former No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow sat out with various injuries.
The Taylor-Burrow coach-quarterback pairing began in 2020 and has experienced several ups and downs over the past five years. Cincinnati's run to Super Bowl 56 is unquestionably the peak, but the franchise's struggles without Burrow are well-documented low points.
Here’s a look at just how much Taylor’s teams have struggled without their starting quarterback.
MORE: A complete injury history for Bengals QB Joe Burrow
Zac Taylor Bengals record
Taylor is 48-56-1 as the Bengals head coach through Week 6 of the 2025 season, his sixth on the sideline with the franchise.
He's also 5-2 in seven playoff games.
Zac Taylor record with Joe Burrow
Taylor has a 40-30-1 regular-season record in games that Burrow has started. This figure includes contests in which Burrow was injured and unable to finish.
In the postseason, Taylor is 5-2 when Burrow suits up.
MORE: How Bengals trade for Joe Flacco impacts Jake Browning, QB room
Zac Taylor record without Joe Burrow
Since the Bengals selected Burrow first overall in 2020, Taylor is 6-12 in games where the quarterback is unavailable. The year before Burrow joined the team, Taylor led Cincinnati to a 2-14 record.
Here is a year-by-year breakdown of Taylor's record without Burrow.
| Year | Record without Burrow |
| 2020 | 2-4 |
| 2021 | 0-1 |
| 2022 | — |
| 2023 | 4-3 |
| 2024 | — |
| 2025 | 0-4 |
| Career | 6-12 |
For context, it is worth noting that the lone loss in 2021 came when Burrow rested for the playoffs. That decision paid off, as the Bengals went on a run to the Super Bowl once the postseason began.
MORE: How Joe Burrow's Grade 3 turf toe injury impacts his 2025 future
Zac Taylor career record
Through Week 6 of the NFL season, Taylor has a career record of 48-56-1 as an NFL head coach.
Taylor's only head coaching job has been with the Bengals.
Zac Taylor contract details
Taylor is under contract as Cincinnati's head coach through 2026. He signed an extension with the franchise after leading the Bengals to Super Bowl 56.
Taylor earns around $4.5 million annually, according to Front Office Sports.