After the Cincinnati Bengals going 6-11, the team decided to retain head coach Zac Taylor. Despite fan speculation, Taylor’s job never seemed to be in any real danger this year, as reports had already indicated that he was expected back prior to the regular season finale. Bengals president Mike Brown officially put speculation to rest as he released a statement after the season, confirming Taylor’s status as the team’s head coach in 2026.
The Bengals were the only team to retain their head coach in the AFC North. Despite beating Cincinnati in Week 18, the Browns fired two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski after six seasons with the team. The Ravens fired Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. Finally, Pittsburgh saw Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Tomlin step down after 19 seasons with the team.
Harbaugh and Tomlin in particular have been at the top of the profession since taking over their former roles. They were frequent foes for the Bengals as either Tomlin or Harbaugh won the AFC North in 14 out of the last 19 seasons. Now the pair are gone, but a new report seems to indicate things won’t get easier for the Bengals.
Cincinnati Bengals Rivals Interviewing Top Candidate
Bengals fans may have wanted the Steelers and Ravens to enter a dysfunctional era, but that seems to be unlikely on Pittsburgh’s end. NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike McCarthy has an interview scheduled with the Steelers, and he’s considered a strong candidate. McCarthy was previously scheduled to interview with the Titans, but withdrew his name from consideration.
McCarthy has a strong resume of winning in the NFL. In 18 seasons as a head coach, McCarthy has a 174-112-2 record with the Cowboys and Packers. He’s also won his division eight times, and made the postseason 12 times. He has often been criticized for lack of playoff success, but he has an 11-11 record in the playoffs. In his previous head coaching stint with the Cowboys, the team won 12 games in three consecutive seasons.
Cincinnati Bengals Offseason
Ultimately, the Bengals can’t control decisions made by their opponents. Currently, the focus with the Bengals is on improving after what was a disappointing 2025 season. As mentioned previously, the Bengals retained their head coach; however, they may lose a key piece of their coaching staff.
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher is a candidate for the Browns head coaching job, and he’s also taking interviews for coordinator roles with different teams. Despite it being a lateral move, Pitcher leaving would increase his responsibilities as he would likely be the team’s play caller. In Cincinnati, head coach Zac Taylor is the current play caller on offense.
Following the coaching cycle, the Bengals will have to focus on free agency. Perhaps the biggest name on the market is one of Cincinnati’s own as All-Pro Trey Hendrickson is set to be a free agent. In five seasons with the Bengals, Hendrickson has made the Pro Bowl four times and totaled 61 sacks. He’s coming off his worst year as he notched only four sacks in seven games played, as he battled injuries throughout the season.
Bengals Dealt Bad News After The Season