CINCINNATI — Zac Taylor went from the hot seat to AFC champion during the 2021 season and as a reward, the Bengals have extended their head coach’s contract through the 2026 season, the club announced Wednesday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Bengals coach Zac Taylor had his contract extended with the club through 2026

  • The Bengals struggled during his first two seasons, finishing last in the AFC North both seasons

  • The Bengals had a dramatic turnaround in 2021, culminating with a run to the Super Bowl

  • The Bengals held a lead in the final minutes of the Super Bowl, but lost to the Rams 23-20

Terms of the extension were not released. 

After replacing longtime head coach Marvin Lewis, Taylor’s tenure was off to a shaky start. His Bengals compiled a 6-25-1 record and finished last in the AFC North in consecutive seasons. 

With the help of a blossoming quarterback, Joe Burrow, the Bengals had one of the most dramatic turnarounds in league history, finishing the regular season with an AFC North title, winning three straight playoff games, and had the Bengals on the brink of claiming the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. 

"Zac has come into the league and worked to develop the foundations for a winning program that can be successful over time," said Bengals president Mike Brown. "The fruits of Zac's efforts were seen this year, and Zac is well-regarded by our players and coaches. I know the effort and passion Zac brings to the building and to our team, and I am pleased by his approach. And I think the city of Cincinnati sees him the way the players and I do.”

The city will play tribute to Taylor and the team Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Washington Park.

Related Stories