The Cincinnati Bengals may have appeared to catch a break this offseason - at least on the surface. While the rest of the AFC North hit the reset button, firing their head coaches and diving into the uncertain waters of change, the Bengals kept things steady with Zac Taylor and his staff. Continuity, especially in a division as competitive as this one, usually feels like an advantage.
But don’t get too comfortable just yet.
Because while Cincinnati stayed the course, the rest of the division might be setting up for something bigger - and potentially more dangerous. The right hire in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Baltimore could flip the script fast.
And if there’s one team poised to make the kind of move that could shake the whole AFC North? It’s Baltimore.
Why? One name: Mike McDaniel.
The former Dolphins head coach recently interviewed with the Ravens, who are looking to replace John Harbaugh after an 18-season run. And if Baltimore pulls the trigger and brings McDaniel aboard, the Bengals - and the rest of the division - are going to have their hands full.
Let’s break down why this could be a nightmare scenario for Cincinnati.
McDaniel’s Offensive Brilliance + Baltimore’s Talent = Trouble
McDaniel built his coaching reputation as a run-game savant, but when he got to Miami and inherited a shaky offensive line, he pivoted. The Dolphins became one of the most explosive passing teams in football, and Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards in 2023. That’s no small feat, and it’s a credit to McDaniel’s ability to adapt and maximize the talent he has.
Now imagine what he could do with Lamar Jackson.
Even in a season where Jackson was constantly showing up on the injury report, the Ravens were competitive. But a fully healthy Lamar - paired with McDaniel’s creative mind - could be electric.
This isn’t just theory. McDaniel has already shown he can take a talented but inconsistent quarterback and elevate him to MVP-level production.
With Lamar’s dual-threat capabilities, the ceiling is even higher.
And let’s not forget the rest of Baltimore’s offensive weapons.
Derrick Henry is still in the backfield. He’s not the 2,000-yard rusher he once was, but in a zone-based system like McDaniel’s, he could thrive as a downhill punisher with lanes opened up by misdirection and motion-heavy schemes. Then there’s Keaton Mitchell, a speedster who fits perfectly as a change-of-pace back in that system.
And on the outside? Zay Flowers is already one of the most exciting young receivers in the league. McDaniel’s background coaching wideouts and designing space-creating concepts could help Flowers take that next step - from promising rookie to certified star.
A Motivated Coach, A Hungry QB, and a Team Ready to Reload
There’s also the emotional edge to consider. McDaniel didn’t leave Miami on his own terms.
He helped Tua secure a massive contract, built a top-tier offense, and still found himself out of a job after a banged-up 2025 campaign. That kind of exit tends to light a fire under a coach - especially one as sharp and forward-thinking as McDaniel.
Now imagine pairing that chip on the shoulder with Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP who’s still chasing postseason validation. If you’re Cincinnati, that’s not the kind of duo you want to see twice a year.
The Bengals already have questions to answer on defense, and if they don’t shore things up quickly, they could be staring down the barrel of a revitalized Ravens offense that’s built to exploit mismatches and put up points in bunches.
What This Means for the AFC North
Look, it’s not a done deal. McDaniel hasn’t been hired yet. But the fact that he’s in the mix - and that Baltimore is clearly exploring bold options - should be enough to make the Bengals (and the rest of the division) take notice.
Because if the Ravens land McDaniel, the balance of power in the AFC North could shift in a hurry. Continuity is great.
But innovation, adaptability, and elite talent? That’s how you win divisions.
That’s how you make playoff runs. And that’s how you make life miserable for your rivals.
So while Cincinnati might be the only team in the division not cleaning house, they better not get too comfortable. Because if Baltimore makes the right move - and it sure looks like they’re circling one - the Bengals' path to another AFC North title just got a whole lot tougher.