The Cincinnati Bengals are on the verge of missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season, and their fan base is clamoring for a coaching change. Zac Taylor was a fan favorite during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but that relationship has soured.
The Bengals routinely aren’t winning at the rate they should, and it’s time for some new blood. Here are five potential replacements the Bengals should consider if they decide to part ways with Taylor.
Potential Head Coaching Replacements
1.) Klint Kubiak, Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
Klint Kubiak, son of former NFL coach Gary Kubiak, will be a big name to watch this coaching cycle. Kubiak is leading one of the top offenses in the NFL in Seattle. He helps scheme and create explosive plays, which the Bengals are built for.
He was also the passing game coordinator in San Francisco in 2023 when Brock Purdy was an MVP candidate. Kubiak could take this offense to new heights.
2.) Chris Shula, Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Chris Shula, grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, has been fantastic for the Rams this year. Shula has the Rams defense playing as well as any defense in the league. They are fifth overall in the PFSN Defensive Impact Score and are fourth in EPA/play allowed. He gets the best out of his players and uses them like chess pieces, positioning them to succeed.
3.) Joe Brady, Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
This is a popular name among a section of Bengals fans because of his time at LSU with Joe Burrow. Some Bills fans have had an issue with Brady at OC, but the Bills’ offense has been one of the top scoring in the NFL this season.
They are third in PFSN Offensive Impact Scores, and Josh Allen has given high praise to Brady, saying he has been awesome for his career.
4.) Jesse Minter, Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers
Minter first coached under John Harbaugh in Baltimore before returning to college to coach under his brother, Jim Harbaugh, at the University of Michigan. He then followed him back to the pros and became the defensive coordinator for the Chargers.
The Chargers’ defense has been one of the best in the league since Minter arrived, finishing sixth in PFSN’s Defensive Impact Score in 2024 and currently ranking eighth this year. Minter could be the next Mike Macdonald.
5.) Davis Webb, Passing Game Coordinator, Denver Broncos
This one is a bit of a long shot due to his limited coaching experience, but if the Bengals pass on the big-name candidates, Webb would be a good prize. However, according to those who know him, it’s only a matter of time before he is a head coach.
He is learning from one of the top offensive coaches in the NFL, Sean Payton. Webb is just 30 years old and would be the youngest head coach in the NFL.
Klint Kubiak is one of Zac Taylors best friends and was in his wedding.
There is little chance the Bengals hire another Shula.