The Cincinnati Bengals have lost one of their own legendary members of the franchise. Kim Wood, who served as the Bengals’ strength coach for 28 years, passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 80.
Wood was an NFL pioneer as he was the first full-time strength coach on any team. Former Bengals linebacker Reggie Williams, who played for the Bengals for 14 years, shared the news on Facebook. He wrote, “Sadly, I was told that Cincinnati Bengals Strength and Conditioning Coach Kim Wood passed away last night. No other 1 person is responsible for turning an Ivy League prospect into a 14 year starting linebacker in the NFL than Kim Wood. If he demanded 1 more rep, I would give him 2. Absolutely no steroids! Just 8-12 perfect reps to failure, 3 times a week, keep a chart, don’t cheat yourself, and always improve, every workout, no matter where you are on the planet. Pain is your friend. Only appears when making you stronger. Rest In Eternity my friend.”
Bengals Announce Wood’s Passing
The Bengals announced Wood’s passing on their website. They mentioned Wood as one of Paul Brown’s confidants. Wood was around for different eras of Bengals football. He first manned the strength room in 1975, which was Paul Brown’s last year coaching in the NFL, up until the 2002 season. The Bengals mentioned that Wood was a mentor to legendary players like Anthony Muñoz, Reggie Williams, and Tim Krumrie.
Regarding Wood, Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz said, “He believed in the hands, the forearm, and the grip. He was on the cutting edge of core work and arm strength. He understood the game so well. He understood what part of your body needed to be really emphasized to be the best.”
Team president and owner Mike Brown, the son of Paul Brown, said of Wood, “Everybody who knew him recognized what an extraordinary personality he possessed. He was fun and interesting to be around. He was extroverted. He was always full of ideas and plans. He attracted people. The players enjoyed being around him, and so did everyone else.”
Wood was a part of two AFC-winning teams, as the Bengals won the AFC in 1981 and 1988. During that period, Wood became one of the most well-respected strength coaches in the NFL.
Influence Outside the NFL
Wood’s influence extended outside the NFL as well. He was an anti-drug crusader and innovator who helped transform the weight training industry. Additionally, he was a mentor to pro wrestlers like Brian Pillman and Ken Shamrock.
Regarding his multi-sport influence, All Elite Wrestling announcer Alex Marvez said, “He made his mark in pro football as a trailblazing strength coach. He made his mark in the strength world by forming Hammer Strength. And he made his mark in the pro wrestling world by guiding Brian Pillman into one of the most successful storylines of the 1990s that really changed pro wrestling with a blend of theatrics and reality that hadn’t been done before. What a testament.”
Former Bengals Legendary Coach Dead