Dan Pitcher isn’t going anywhere - at least not yet.
The Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator has been a hot name in coaching circles this offseason, and for good reason. When news broke that he was set to interview for the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching vacancy, Bengals fans understandably started bracing for a potential departure. That job didn’t materialize, but it wasn’t the only suitor knocking on Pitcher’s door.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also brought Pitcher in for an interview, this time for their offensive coordinator role. While that wouldn’t have been a promotion in title, it would’ve given Pitcher something he doesn’t currently have in Cincinnati: play-calling duties.
Zac Taylor still runs the show on Sundays for the Bengals’ offense, which means Pitcher’s influence is felt more behind the scenes than on the headset. A chance to call plays in Tampa could’ve been a key stepping stone for Pitcher if he’s eyeing a head coaching job down the line.
But Tampa went in a different direction, hiring Zac Robinson - a familiar name for Bengals fans. Robinson, who served as a backup quarterback in Cincinnati from 2011 to 2013, now takes over as the Bucs’ offensive coordinator. That hire keeps Pitcher in Cincinnati, at least for now.
What’s interesting is that Taylor allowed Pitcher to interview for what is technically a lateral move. That tells us a few things.
First, Taylor respects Pitcher enough to let him explore opportunities that could help his long-term trajectory. And second, it signals that the Bengals are aware Pitcher may not be around forever - especially if more teams come calling with chances to run an offense or even lead a franchise.
From Pitcher’s perspective, it makes sense to keep the door open. Getting play-calling experience is often a crucial step toward becoming a head coach, and while working under Taylor has been valuable, there’s only so far you can go without that on-the-job experience.
If Pitcher were to move on, one name to watch is Brian Callahan. The former Bengals offensive coordinator worked alongside Taylor during Cincinnati’s back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances and knows the system inside and out.
He most recently served as the Tennessee Titans’ head coach before being let go midway through the 2025 season. If the Bengals need a quick, experienced replacement, Callahan would be a logical choice.
For now, though, Pitcher remains in the fold. But with the coaching carousel still spinning and several staffs around the league still being finalized, his situation is one to monitor. The Bengals have benefitted from his steady presence on the offensive staff, but the reality is clear: 2026 might be the year Pitcher gets his shot elsewhere.