Bengals retain Taylor, Tobin after missed playoffs, aiming for rebound next season

The Cincinnati Bengals are retaining head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin after a disappointing 2023 season that saw the team miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Bengals' commitment to continuity in leadership despite recent struggles.

• Taylor has led the team for seven seasons, achieving two playoff appearances and a record of 52-63-1 in the regular season.
• His contract extends through 2026, indicating the organization's long-term vision.

What’s new: The Bengals finished the 2023 campaign with a 6-11 record, largely impacted by franchise quarterback Joe Burrow's injury woes.

• Burrow missed nine games due to turf toe, underscoring the importance of his health in the team's performance moving forward.

Yes, but: The organization faces mounting pressure to improve after falling short of expectations following four consecutive winning seasons.

• Team owner Mike Brown expressed disappointment in the missed playoffs, stating, "The results fell short of our standards," reflecting the urgency for change.

The big picture: Retaining Taylor and Tobin signals confidence in their ability to build a competitive roster capable of returning to championship contention.

• Both have proven track records; Taylor is the only coach in Bengals history to reach multiple conference championship games, while Tobin has been instrumental in player acquisitions since 2002.

Between the lines: While the decisions may be seen as an endorsement of past successes, they also come with risks.

• Critics may argue that consistency alone cannot replace the need for results, especially after three seasons without playoff football.

What’s next: As the Bengals look ahead to the 2024 season, the focus will shift to optimizing their roster around Burrow's talents and improving overall team performance.

• Key offseason moves, including potential trades and draft selections, will play a crucial role in shaping the team's future.

The bottom line: The Bengals leadership remains intact as they aim to bounce back from a challenging season, emphasizing a belief in their current strategy even as they face heightened expectations from fans and analysts alike.