BREAKING: Bengal’s HC Zac Taylor’s Contract Extended Through 2026

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed a contract extension through 2026 with their head coach Zac Taylor. This comes in the aftermath of the almost-fairy tale season the team had in 2021.

Zac Taylor orchestrated the team to end a 33-year-old drought 

The Bengals won their last playoff game in 1991. The last time they played in the Super Bowl was in 1988. Zac Taylor’s Bengals ended both droughts but remained one step away from culmination.

Nevertheless, it warrants a contract extension for the head coach, who has guided the team through a comeback season for the history books. The defense came to life in the playoffs, Burrow was phenomenal throughout the regular season and the team beat some of the best talents in the league.

No one expected this. The team went 4-11-1 in the last season and even though they picked up some momentum in the final leg of that season, no one could imagine they were Super Bowl-bound.

Zac Taylor’s record in the first two years as head coach was an abysmal 6-25-1. It was not expected to get to 36-32-1 within a single season; even if someone insanely predicted that the team also won the AFC North title and the AFC Championship.

President Mike Brown on Zac Taylor’s extension 

“Zac has come into the league and worked to develop the foundations for a winning program that can be successful over time,” said Bengals President Mike Brown, through a press release.

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He added, “The fruits of Zac’s efforts were seen this year, and Zac is well-regarded by our players and coaches. I know the effort and passion Zac brings to the building and our team, and I am pleased by his approach. And I think the city of Cincinnati sees him the way the players and I do. He’s brought excitement to the town and deserves credit and recognition for that.”

Mixed Emotions for Zac Taylor

Some Cincy fans are unhappy with Taylor’s decision-making in the Super Bowl. It is unsurprising to see the twitter flooded with mixed reactions.

Yet, this new extension is not just a reward but also a tremendous responsibility for Zac Taylor to showcase that this wasn’t a one-off. Cincinnati has created momentum in this season and the only way forward should aim to repeat this performance and preferably finish out on top.

The NFL is a mighty beast 

It is easy to get caught up in the moment and think of the Bengals as a contender for next season. But the NFL does not allow easy returns by any stretch of the measure. So, here is an interesting stat, 33 debutant quarterbacks appeared and lost in the Super Bowl, before Burrow.

Out of 33 slingers, only six have made it back to the Super Bowl! So, yes, Joe has put himself in the top-QB category. Although, his legacy now depends on his ability to make it back to the big stage.

Zac Taylor led Bengals ranked fourth in the latest Power Rankings 

Even after appearing for the Super Bowl, Bengals come in at fourth. They stand behind the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills in the latest power rankings. Perhaps no one predicted this year’s success, but next year, people will expect them to do well. That pressure differs completely from playing without expectations.

What do you think of the extension? Tell us in the comment section.

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