The Cincinnati Bengals are sticking with Zac Taylor. On Monday, the team announced it would retain the head coach following a 4-11-1 campaign in 2020.
Bengals president Mike Brown released a statement of support for Taylor.
“Our fans wanted a fresh new direction two years ago, and that is what we aimed to do in hiring a bright, energetic head coach in Zac Taylor. We remain bullish on the foundation Zac is building, and we look forward to next year giving our fans the winning results we all want. In Zac's two years, we have added many new starters and contributors through the draft, we have invested heavily in free agency, and we have acquired a talented young quarterback with a bright future.
In 2019, Taylor took over a team that had missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. Cincinnati went 2-14 in Taylor's first season in charge, resulting in the no. 1 overall pick that landed the franchise with quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow immediately impressed and was in the running for Offensive Rookie of Year before a knee injury ended his season in Week 11.
Following an injury-ravaged 2019 season, the Bengals finished 28th in scoring in 2020 — an offensive performance that led some to believe that Taylor could lose his job. Instead, he'll get a chance to lead the Bengals with Burrow in place for a full season.
“This season we faced challenges with injuries at key positions and missed opportunities,” Brown added. “I am proud of our football team for fighting hard through adversity. That adversity and hard work will help us next season. We'll enter the offseason looking to shore up our weaknesses and amplify the strengths of our talented young core. We are not discouraged, but instead feel motivated and confident that next year will reap the benefits of the work that has been done to date. We must capitalize on the opportunities in front of us. Next year we will earn our stripes.”
Considering the Bengals retained its previous head coach, Marvin Lewis, for 16 seasons despite zero playoff wins, it's fair to assume that Brown isn't keen on head coaching turnover.
Taylor, 37, had relatively limited coaching experience when he was hired following a stint as the Los Angeles Rams QB coach in 2018.
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