The Cincinnati Bengals ended their season with a 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The loss dropped the Bengals to 6-11, representing their worst season since 2020. In 2020, quarterback Joe Burrow missed six games. This year, he missed nine games.
Following their disappointing season, questions arose about Zac Taylor’s job security. However, heading into the last week of the season, Taylor’s job appeared to be safe. Since taking over the Bengals, Taylor has a 52-63-1 record. However he does possess a 5-2 postseason record as he’s made the Super Bowl and the AFC Championship. Unfortunately, Cincinnati has now missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.
Despite the disappointing season, head coach Zac Taylor was asked about his overall feelings surrounding the Bengals. He said, “I’m excited about the direction we’re headed.”
Bengals Announce Coaching Staff
Following the Bengals’ loss against the Browns, Bengals president Mike Brown released a statement in which he confirmed Zac Taylor would return as the head coach for the 2026 season.
Hours after the statement was made public by the Bengals, Zac Taylor held his end-of-year press conference. In it, he was asked about receiving Mike Brown’s support. He answered, saying, “I don’t need that.” Additionally, Taylor shared some valuable information as he informed the media that they did not expect to make any changes to the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Al Golden’s job security had been a question mark prior to today. NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero had previously said, “The question is what Cincinnati will do on the defensive side of the ball. Al Golden’s unit has been a source of frustration all season.”
It seems that the frustration with Al Golden’s defense was not enough to cost him his job. This year marked Golden’s first as an NFL defensive coordinator. He had previously been the Bengals linebackers coach in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, before departing for Notre Dame. He served as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator for three seasons before coming back to Cincinnati this year.
The Bengals defense finished 30th in the NFL as they allowed 28.9 points per game. Previous defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who was fired after the 2024 season, took on the role as Indianapolis’ defensive coordinator. His efforts this season with the Colts resulted in Tennessee requesting to interview him for their head coaching vacancy.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Future
Despite the disappointing season, the Bengals can at least blame lack of health for one of the reasons they failed to reach expectations. They were 4-2 when Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were all available. All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson also missed 10 games with an injury; however, he’s set to be a free agent after the season.
Zac Taylor alluded to injuries being a reason why the Bengals had a disappointing season. He said, “I think what you were missing was your highest paid player on offense and defense, and that’s challenging holistically.”
Following the loss, the Bengals will now pick 10th in the upcoming NFL Draft. They have not selected in the top 10 since drafting Ja’Marr Chase with the fifth overall selection in the 2021 draft.
Bengals Announce Coaching Decision After Loss to Browns