Zac Taylor — Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach

Current holder: Zac Taylor

Quick Facts

Role: Head Coach
Team: Cincinnati Bengals (CIN)
Current holder: Zac Taylor
Record with Cincinnati: 19-16 when Burrow on field; 24-27 overall (past 3 years); 6-11 in 2025
Playoff appearances: 2 AFC Championship games, 1 AFC title
Coaching tree: see Coaching Trees

Background

Defensive-minded coach who has shown he can build strong offenses when given defensive support. Led teams to AFC Championship games early in tenure. Recently ranked 28th among NFL head coaches during 2026 offseason, though ranking was controversial given his prior championship success.

Scheme and Tendencies

Strong offensive coordinator; historically has relied on Joe Burrow and elite pass-catching talent (Chase, Higgins). Defense has been intermittent concern, with need for better depth and consistency on that side of the ball.

2026 Outlook

Entering a pivotal prove-it year after ranking 28th in 2026 offseason HC rankings (controversial given 2 AFC Championship games + 1 AFC title on resume). Bengals spent aggressively to cap this offseason, signaling organizational commitment to a championship push. "Happiest we've been in a long time," Taylor said post-draft. Track record suggests he can win when Burrow is healthy and defense has pulse; 19-16 when Burrow on field; must improve consistency and defense depth to sustain. Playoff drought (3 consecutive seasons) must end in 2026. (per Bengals' Zac Taylor Ranked Among NFL's Five Worst Head Coaches During 2026 Offseason)

Recent News

2026-04-19 — Zac Taylor and the Bengals get their defensive centerpiece in make or break season (Zac Taylor and the Bengals get their defensive centerpiece in make or break season)
2026-02-24 — Zac Taylor says he's happy to have OC Dan Pitcher back with Bengals (Zac Taylor says he's happy to have OC Dan Pitcher back with Bengals)
2026-05-18 — Bengals' Zac Taylor Ranked Among NFL's Five Worst Head Coaches During 2026 Offseason (Bengals' Zac Taylor Ranked Among NFL's Five Worst Head Coaches During 2026 Offseason)
2026-05-25 — Bengals Have One Massive Reason for Optimism Entering 2026 (Bengals Have One Massive Reason for Optimism Entering 2026)

Sources

(receipts)