After making consecutive championship in 2022 and 2023, the Cincinnati Bengals are set to miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
However, it doesn’t appear as though this playoff drought will cost head coach Zac Taylor his job. In a recent article, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler noted that Taylor “appears to be safe” in Cincinnati heading into the offseason.
Zac Taylor ‘appears to be safe’ in Cincinnati
This jives with other recent reports that suggest that the Bengals aren’t prepared to move on from Taylor at this point in time despite the fact that he’s led the team to the postseason just twice in his seven seasons as head coach.
Taylor apparently has an extremely long leash in Cincinnati, as many other organizations probably already would have moved on from him at this point in time.
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There was some speculation that the team could look to move on from Taylor after the disappointment that was the 2024 campaign, but defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo became the scapegoat. Anarumo was replaced by Al Golden while Taylor got to keep his job.
Taylor’s contract situation could play into the organization’s ultimate decision regarding his future. Taylor is reportedly under contract with the Bengals through the 2027 season, though he recently declined to comment on his contract status.
“I don’t think it really matters,” Taylor said. “I coach every day like it’s my last and I’ve been through years in 2019 (and) 2020 that literally you coach every game thinking it could be your last game.”
Obviously, Bengals fans hoping for change in coaching will be disappointed in this development. But, one has to assume that the 2026 season will be Taylor’s final opportunity to right the ship. If Cincinnati misses the playoffs again next season, there won’t be any more excuses.
