The Cincinnati Bengals have clinched a third consecutive season of not making it to the postseason, their last appearance coming in 2022 when they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Since then, the Bengals have had two losing seasons, this year included, and a 9-8 season in 2024.
Because of these struggles, many Bengals fans are calling for changes to be made, starting with head coach Zac Taylor. With that in mind, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report that it appears Taylor is safe in terms of avoiding being fired.
"Despite a third straight non-playoff season and quarterback Joe Burrow's recent musings about the future, there are no signs the Bengals are preparing to make major changes," the insiders report. "Coach Zac Taylor has two years left on his contract, and all indications are that Taylor should return. Burrow's injuries -- including a severe turf toe injury that required surgery in September, costing him nine games -- have been a driving force in the team's struggles. Bengals owner Mike Brown believes in Taylor, who led Cincinnati to Super Bowl LVI during the 2021 season and the AFC title game the year after, and historically has not wanted to pay coaches not to coach."
Taylor fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo at the end of the 2024 season, seemingly making him the scapegoat for the defensive issues. However, Anarumo has found immediate success with the Indianapolis Colts while the Bengals' defense has gotten worse while the Bengals are 4-10.
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