Despite 4-10 Record and Playoff Elimination, Bengals Expected to Stick with Zac Taylor
The Cincinnati Bengals hit a new low in Week 15, getting shut out 24-0 by the Baltimore Ravens-a loss that officially slammed the door on their playoff hopes for the third straight season. Sitting at 4-10, it’s been a frustrating campaign in Cincinnati, one marred by injuries, inconsistency, and now, another early offseason.
Naturally, questions about head coach Zac Taylor’s future are swirling. But inside the Bengals’ building, the tone is far less reactionary than what’s buzzing outside.
According to reporting from Paul Dehner Jr., the organization isn’t planning to make a change at the top. In fact, Taylor is expected to return for the 2026 season.
That may come as a surprise to some, especially with the Bengals missing the postseason three years in a row. But this is a franchise that’s never been quick to pull the trigger on coaching changes. Taylor still has two years left on his current contract, and Cincinnati’s ownership has historically shown a preference for stability-sometimes to a fault.
A recent example? Marvin Lewis coached all the way through the final year of his deal before being let go, and that was after a 10-game losing streak. For Taylor, unless something drastically shifts, he’s likely to get the same runway.
One key factor working in Taylor’s favor: his relationship with Joe Burrow. Despite speculation to the contrary, there’s no indication that the bond between coach and quarterback has frayed.
And that matters-a lot. When your franchise quarterback is still on board, it buys you time.
Burrow’s season-ending injury early in the year cast a long shadow over the Bengals’ 2025 campaign. Cincinnati got out to a 2-0 start, but once Burrow went down, the offense struggled to find any sort of rhythm or identity. Without their leader under center, the Bengals simply didn’t have the firepower to keep pace in a loaded AFC.
Ownership knows this. They understand the context behind the record.
That doesn’t mean they’re happy with how things have gone, but it does mean they’re not rushing into a decision that could create more instability. With Burrow expected back healthy next season and Taylor still under contract, the Bengals appear set to give this pairing one more shot.
Of course, fans are restless. The team went to the Super Bowl not too long ago, and expectations have shifted since then.
But Cincinnati’s front office has always taken the long view. They’re not prone to knee-jerk reactions, even when the noise outside gets loud.
If Taylor is going to turn things around, 2026 will be the year to do it. The leash may not be short just yet, but it’s certainly getting tighter. For now, though, the Bengals are standing pat-betting that a healthy Burrow and a reset offseason can get them back on track.