The Cincinnati Bengals ended their regular season with a 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns, finishing 6-11 and raising further questions about the quality of Zac Taylor’s work.
Because of the result and growing doubt, the head coach’s name came up repeatedly in post-game interviews. In response, Ja’Marr Chase made one of the most critical recent statements about the level of internal support for Taylor.
Ja’Marr Chase Was Ambiguous in His Response About Zac Taylor
In conversations with reporters (via Joe Danneman), the wide receiver was asked whether he still supported Taylor. Chase responded, “I have confidence in myself,” and then discussed the plays he was involved in, which some took as a lack of explicit support for Taylor and raised doubts about the head coach’s backing among the team’s key leaders.
Chase’s comments this week confirm he still supports Taylor, as do Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins. This suggests that the head coach is likely to keep his job, despite a poor record and missing the playoffs.
Ja’Marr Chase when asked if Bengals’ coaching staff still has his utmost confidence:
“Um. I am very confident in myself. Um. I’m confident in the plays that they call for me to get open.”pic.twitter.com/scfJrkoJKk
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) January 4, 2026
The Athletic reports that the trio consistently supports the head coach. Cincinnati’s management values the views of the quarterback and other team leaders, so a dismissal in the offseason seems unlikely. However, the wide receiver’s comment after the Browns’ loss may still spark rumors.
Everything indicates that the 2026 season will be better for the Bengals, with a more consolidated defense and a healthier offense. However, negative results and potential internal changes involving the franchise’s main stars could bring new developments soon.
Taylor Was Very Upset After The Loss to The Browns
Despite the loss, the Bengals had some positive highlights in Week 18. Running back Chase Brown ran for 72 yards on 13 attempts, completing his first career season with over 1,000 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Burrow, who ranks No. 10 in the PFSN’s QB Impact Metric with a C+ grade, finished with 29 completions on 39 attempts for 236 yards, three TDs, and one interception.
He was visibly frustrated with the officiating crew after the game was stopped without warning as Myles Garrett reached a historic single-season sack mark. What should have been a moment the team and fans could celebrate together instead came to an abrupt halt, and Taylor didn’t hide his frustration. That reaction felt telling, especially with expectations continuing to build around this team.
When it comes to any talk of coaching changes, it’s worth remembering general manager Mike Brown’s long-standing reluctance to pay coaches who aren’t actively with the organization. Taylor is under contract through 2027, which gives him a layer of protection. Still, contracts haven’t always guaranteed stability.
Back in 2018, Brown moved on from Marvin Lewis with a year left on his deal, ultimately reaching a termination agreement that avoided additional financial commitment. It’s a reminder that Taylor’s contract offers protection, but it doesn’t guarantee job security.
