The Cincinnati Bengals have missed the playoffs for a third straight season and for the fifth time in seven years under head coach Zac Taylor. While injuries to Joe Burrow played a significant role in the team’s struggles this season, Taylor’s job security is far from guaranteed as the Bengals head into the 2026 season.
That said, Taylor appears to retain strong support within the locker room and is considered far less likely to be fired than Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. Still, the possibility remains, making it worth examining Taylor’s contract structure and how it could ultimately protect his job.
Zac Taylor’s Contract Structure Could Help Secure His Future in Cincinnati
Taylor, a former quarterback, started his NFL coaching career with the Miami Dolphins as assistant QB coach in 2012. He remained in Miami till 2015, eventually earning a promotion to offensive coordinator, before moving on to stints with both the Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams. That journey culminated in Taylor being named the Bengals’ head coach in 2019.
Though his first two seasons in Cincinnati were disappointing, Taylor led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. After losing to the Rams, he signed a five-year extension that would have initially kept him under contract through 2026.
However, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Taylor signed another extension after the 2022 AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs, pushing the end of his deal to 2027. NBC Sports’ Mike Florio highlighted this as a critical detail and perhaps the most significant factor working in Taylor’s favor.
“Owner Mike Brown (like Cowboys owner Jerry Jones) doesn’t like to pay coaches to not coach,” Florio wrote. “If Taylor is owed anything beyond 2025, he’s far more likely to be back.
“After the 2018 season, Brown fired long-time head coach Marvin Lewis. Lewis had one year left on his deal. But the final year wasn’t guaranteed. The Bengals were able to walk away with no further obligation to Lewis.”
While the Bengals have not publicly disclosed the specifics of Taylor’s deal, Front Office Sports reports that he earns approximately $4.5 million per year, roughly $500,000 less than Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. If both the 2026 and 2027 seasons are guaranteed, Cincinnati would owe Taylor around $9 million if he were fired.
There is certainly a scenario in which Taylor could be dismissed, but organizational history, combined with public support from franchise cornerstones like Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, suggests he is likely to return for the 2026 season.
Taylor holds a 52–63–1 record across seven seasons, and while deep playoff runs in 2021 and 2022 significantly extended his leash, they don’t guarantee unlimited patience. Another disappointing season, even with the financial deterrent in place, could force Mike Brown to reconsider rather than repeat history.
