Pitcher Staying Put: Bengals Maintain Coaching Continuity Ahead of 2026 Season
For the Cincinnati Bengals, stability is the name of the game - at least on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive coordinator Brian Callahan may have taken the head coaching job in Tennessee, but quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher, who was a top internal candidate to replace him, is staying in Cincinnati. Barring a last-minute shift in Cleveland’s coaching search - which seems unlikely at this point - Pitcher will remain on staff, providing a key measure of continuity for Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense.
This is a big win for Cincinnati, especially as they look to bounce back from a season that didn’t quite meet expectations. Pitcher has been instrumental in Burrow’s development since the quarterback entered the league, and keeping that relationship intact is a smart move as the Bengals aim to retool and reload for another playoff push.
A Former Bengal Sounds Off
One former Bengals star isn’t holding back his thoughts as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. While the name wasn’t mentioned, the message was clear: he’s not thrilled with the direction the team has taken in recent years. It’s not uncommon for former players to speak candidly - especially when they still feel connected to the franchise - but this particular shot adds a little extra tension to what’s already shaping up to be a pivotal offseason in Cincinnati.
Lessons from New England’s Rebuild
Meanwhile, all eyes are on New England, where the Patriots have pulled off a remarkable turnaround. After two forgettable seasons, they’re back in the Super Bowl - and doing it with a revamped roster and a clear identity. It begs the question: what can Cincinnati learn from the Patriots’ blueprint?
The Bengals have the talent. They’ve got their franchise quarterback, a strong core on both sides of the ball, and a front office that’s shown a willingness to make bold moves.
But New England’s resurgence highlights the importance of adaptability - from scheme to personnel to culture. If the Bengals want to get back to being a serious contender, they’ll need to take a hard look at how they’re building for both the short and long term.
Mock Draft Misses a Fan Favorite
In the latest NFL mock draft, Cincinnati passed on a prospect many fans have been clamoring for - and the reaction was swift. While mock drafts are hardly gospel, they do offer a glimpse into how analysts view team needs and potential fits. And this particular projection didn’t sit well with Bengals fans, who had hoped to see a more exciting name linked to their team.
Of course, the real draft is still months away, and a lot can change between now and then. But it’s clear that this offseason will be closely scrutinized by a fanbase hungry for a return to form.
A Look Back: Paul Brown and the Senior Bowl
The Senior Bowl has long been a proving ground for NFL hopefuls - and for the Bengals, it also serves as a reminder of their deep football roots. Paul Brown, the franchise’s founder and one of the game’s great innovators, once saw both sides of the Senior Bowl experience. It’s a cool piece of history that underscores just how connected this team is to the broader fabric of the league.
Around the League: Coaching Carousel and Breakout Stars
Elsewhere in the NFL, the coaching carousel continues to spin. In Cleveland, several candidates have withdrawn from consideration, which may push the Browns to promote from within. Meanwhile, quarterback coach Shane Udinski is weighing options between staying in Jacksonville or heading up to Buffalo - another subplot to watch as teams finalize their staffs.
On the field, a few AFC players burst onto the scene this year with unexpected breakout performances. These are the kinds of stories that reshape depth charts and redefine expectations heading into the offseason.
And in New England, the Patriots’ head coach is on the verge of making history. With one more win, he’ll etch his name even deeper into the NFL record books - a testament to the staying power of a coach who’s weathered the ups and downs of a full-scale rebuild.
Bottom Line for Cincinnati
The Bengals are at a crossroads. They’ve got the pieces, they’ve got the quarterback, and now they’ve got a chance to reset the coaching staff without losing the offensive continuity that’s helped define their recent success. Keeping Dan Pitcher in Cincinnati may not make national headlines, but it’s a savvy move - and one that could pay off big in 2026.