The Cincinnati Bengals may soon confront another shift within Zac Taylor’s coaching circle. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher is drawing interest around the league, and his potential departure would continue a familiar pattern of assistants advancing to larger roles elsewhere.
Taylor has already approved Pitcher to speak with teams seeking coordinators who control play-calling duties, opening the door for movement at a critical point for a franchise coming off a 6-11 campaign.
One opportunity has already surfaced in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers are searching for a new offensive coordinator. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Pitcher is scheduled to interview for the vacancy after receiving Taylor's clearance.
“The Bucs will interview Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their vacant OC job this week, sources say, an opportunity made possible by coach Zac Taylor giving Pitcher permission to speak to teams with play-calling OC opportunities. A significant development,” Rapoport wrote on X.
Taylor continues to handle play-calling duties in Cincinnati, which makes the situation more nuanced. While the head coach has publicly stated that sweeping staff changes are not planned, outside interest in Pitcher introduces uncertainty.
Losing him would remove a trusted offensive voice at a time when the organization is focused on regaining momentum around quarterback Joe Burrow and returning to playoff relevance.
Bengals continuity tested as outside interest builds
Pitcher’s name has also been linked to a much larger role. According to James Rapien of Sports Illustrated, he remains a serious candidate in Cleveland’s head coaching search. NFL insider Jordan Schultz has also noted that Cleveland views Pitcher as a forward-looking option.
If Pitcher does move on, Cincinnati could look inward rather than casting a wide net. Brian Callahan, who previously coordinated the Bengals offense before becoming head coach of the Tennessee Titans, is currently available and familiar with both Taylor and Burrow.
The Bengals have long favored stability, and a reunion would align with that philosophy, even if it lacks novelty.
With as many as 10 NFL teams searching for new head coaches and assembling staffs, competition for top assistants is intense.
That environment limits the external pool and increases the appeal of known quantities. For Taylor, the coming weeks may determine whether continuity remains intact or another trusted lieutenant departs as Cincinnati reshapes its path forward.
More Bengals news:
- Bengals' Chase Brown believes average fan can gain one yard in an NFL game
- Bengals receive $33 million contract projection on Trey Hendrickson despite injury
- Bengals announce Zac Taylor decision after rough 2025 season
- Two reasons why Bengals fans should look forward to defense in 2026
- Ja'Marr Chase says issues Bengals need to change are 'pretty obvious'
- Bengals urged to make aggressive Chase Brown contract decision