The Cincinnati Bengals have all eyes on an end-of-season stretch around the return of Joe Burrow and a possible playoff bid.
Others overlooking the NFL, though, have eyes on things beyond the playoffs, like potential coaching vacancies.
Some even have eyes on Zac Taylor and the Bengals.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, a handful of other head coaching jobs typically open up between now and the offseason, with some wondering about the Bengals:
“Since 2011, at least five head-coaching vacancies have popped up each cycle. Right now? Only two teams have openings: the Giants and Titans. That number will go up. There are no guarantees these jobs will come open, but many around the league are asking questions about the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals, in addition to the Raiders.”
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Granted, “many around the league are asking questions” is really vague.
And yet, the point stands about the Bengals. We’re not that far removed from wondering just how hot Taylor’s seat might be after the 3-8 start. One Burrow return, at least for the moment, shelved those conversations.
If the Bengals fade down the stretch and miss the playoffs, that would mean Taylor has only helped the team to the playoffs twice over the last seven seasons.The good will of AFC title game trips in 2021 and 2022 only extends so far.
There’s much, much more that goes into these conversations. And some of the blame goes directly to Duke Tobin and those in charge of assembling the roster, too. But fair or not, Taylor is the face of the team and some self-reflection and possible change will be inevitable if the team misses the playoffs again.
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