The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t likely to fire head coach Zac Taylor after his team missed the playoffs for the second straight season. But there are some compelling reasons for and against the idea after what has been a wild ride of ups and downs for the franchise since his arrival in 2019.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor indicated he and his bosses are aligned heading into a pivotal offseason.

DC Lou Anarumo took the fall for the team's disappointing 2024 season, but the onus now falls squarely on the head coach.

After six years with the Bengals, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was fired on Monday after Cincinnati's defense cratered in 2024

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor sends a message to the rest of the NFL if his team makes the playoffs after their Week 18 win

In order to claim the No. 7 spot, the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins need to lose on Sunday. If the Bengals do make the postseason, coach Zac Taylor offered ablunt message to their potential opponents. "They're capable of everything," Taylor said. "They don't want us in this tournament, I promise you."

The Cincinnati Bengals made several coaching shakeups following their second straight season with no playoffs, including the firing of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Cincinnati is moving quickly to work to hire Anarumo's replacement and, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, there are already two targets in sight.

The Bengals are on the prowl to find a replacement for Lou Anarumo and have found two defensive coordinator candidates from rival teams.

Zac Taylor

Lou Anarumo wasn’t the problem. The Bengals underachieved because the front office hasn't drafted well and cut corners on defense.