Bengals QBs coach Dan Pitcher to become Cincinnati's next offensive coordinator

CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher will become Cincinnati's next offensive coordinator, the team announced on Thursday.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport first reported Wednesday afternoon that sources tell him the organization is making "an obvious choice" in promoting Pitcher following Brian Callahan's departure. Callahan was officially announced as the Tennessee Titans' next head coach earlier in the day.

At a press conference Thursday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor called the hiring a "natural progression."

"I'm excited for Dan and his opportunity to increase his role on our staff," Taylor said in a press release. "He has excelled in his job of helping develop our quarterbacks over the past five years. He has been a top contributor to our scheme and that role will now increase. I look forward to seeing him continue to grow in this new position."

Pitcher has been with the Bengals for eight seasons, most recently working with star QB Joe Burrow and his backup, Jake Browning. Before working solely with Cincinnati's quarterbacks, Pitcher helped Bengals receivers including then-rookie Tyler Boyd and Pro Bowler A.J. Green as an offensive assistant.

"I couldn't be more excited and energized by this opportunity," said Pitcher. "I love this organization and am so grateful to Mike Brown, the Brown and Blackburn families, Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor. That they see me fit for this responsibility means the world to me and I will work tirelessly to provide every ounce of value I can to this team. My wife, Marissa, son, Oliver, and I love that we get to continue our journey in this great city. Who Dey!"

In a press conference Sunday, Pitcher praised Burrow and the work they've gotten to do together.

"When you have an elite quarterback, you hang on for as long as you can," Pitcher said.

Burrow also praised Pitcher's coaching abilities in a statement.

"Our relationship is as good as it gets," Burrow said. "I wouldn't be the player I am today without him. He's been preparing for this for years. He takes his job very seriously and does it with a lot of passion."

Before arriving in Cincinnati, Pitcher spent four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he worked as a scouting assistant and pro scout.

The Cortland, N.Y. native played quarterback at Colgate University and SUNY Cortland. His senior year, he was a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, presenting to the most outstanding Division III college football player of the year.

Pitcher was a candidate for multiple offensive coordinator positions this cycle, reportedly interviewing with the Saints, Patriots and Raiders.