CINCINNATI — Despite billboards, t-shirts and plenty of other public declarations of "Fire Zac Taylor" seen throughout Cincinnati this season, owner Mike Brown says the Bengals won't fire Head Coach Taylor — or Duke Tobin, the team's director of player personnel.
Brown sent out a statement in email on Monday saying that while he knows this past season was frustrating for fans, he believes Taylor and Tobin are the right leaders for the Bengals.
"We came into this season with high expectations, coming off four straight winning seasons with leaders in place that took us to a Super Bowl and two AFC Championship games," reads the statement sent by Brown. "We know this season has been frustrating and disappointing. The results fell short of our standards and missing the playoffs again proves there is more work to do.
"Our focus is on building a team that can consistently compete at the highest level, with the goal of winning championships. After thoughtful consideration, I am confident that Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are the right leaders to guide us forward. They have proven they can build and lead teams that compete for championships. We trust their plans and expect to return to our desired level of success.
"We are taking a hard look at everything we do as we approach this offseason with focused determination to build a championship-caliber roster that wins consistently. We are fully committed to delivering results that match the pride, passion and expectations of this organization and our fans."
The statement was sent out one day after the Cincinnati Bengals concluded their season with a 20-18 loss against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns fired their head coach, as have the Raiders, Cardinals and Falcons.
At his postseason press conference Monday afternoon, Taylor said he didn't need Brown to write a statement, already knowing they were "aligned and ... on the same page," but said it does provide some clarity that he appreciates.
"I just feel like we are on a path to really good things next year," Taylor said of their aligned outlooks. "And I think everybody that exited this building today feels that — players, coaches, everybody involved with this thing. And that this season was a disappointment — it didn't go the way we wanted, but I'm already reenergized to get working on 2026 and get back to work. ... I just feel like the energy of this group, and the talent we have, and the progress a lot of these guys made that we've got a chance to be back in the conversation of where we belong."
Bengals fans haven't responded well to the news of no change — including singer and host Nick Lachey.
"This is a slap in the face to all #Bengals fans and I’ve been one my whole damn life," Lachey said on his social media. "When something isn’t working anymore and this clearly isn’t, you change. You adapt. You move on. To not do so is to admit that you have zero problem with the outcome you’re currently in."
Tobin is also scheduled to speak to the media later this week about the season and his outlook for 2026.
