Joe Burrow is the heart and soul of Cincinnati. The Bengals are well aware that the future of their franchise revolves around Burrow’s performances. Keeping him, for as long as possible, has to be the top of their priorities. But that begins with creating a coaching staff catered to Burrow’s preferences.
At the top of the retention list, this offseason was definitely Burrow’s QB Coach, Dan Pitcher. Pitcher has been under the Bengals’ payroll since the 2020 season. He’s been a key figure in Burrow’s masterful QB play over the past few seasons. With his contract with the Bengals ending this season, many teams have been in hot pursuit of Pitcher. The Bengals, however, recently finalised a contract extension to bring Pitcher back.
The Buccaneers interview has Bengals fans rioting
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Dan Pitcher was amongst the top coaching prospects for teams across the league going into the offseason. The most recent team to bring in the QB coach was the Buccaneers. The Bucs brought Pitcher in to interview for the OC position. But Bengals fans were not going to take other teams going after their coach lightly.
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This fan was adamant about not letting Pitcher go.
That’s illegal. I won’t let it happen
— Kyle (@Kyle___H) January 27, 2023
Fans were also upset with other teams interviewing the Bengals coach before the official end of the season. As this fan put it.
I don’t understand why Coaches interview with other teams during their season
— Zoom 🗣️💯 ⚜️ (@yvngzoomy) January 27, 2023
This fan also had to take out time to point out Pitcher’s unique name.
dan pitcher might be the best qb coach name ever
— jimme don 🏔 (@jimmiedonm) January 27, 2023
Some Bucs fans also had to chip in about Pitchers’ possible role.
Maybe he can help Tampa straighten out their QB1, who looked kinda shaky in his most recent game…
— Prayerborne (@prayerborne) January 27, 2023
There is no doubt that Pitcher’s inclusion in Tampa Bay will help the struggling offense to regroup. However, looking by the fans’ reactions, they are not ready to give away their asset.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals prepare to regroup
Joey B and the Bengals have a lot of introspection to do. After a last-second heartbreak to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, they finally bring their season to an end. The Bengals have already started to consolidate their assets, beginning with Pitcher himself.
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Extending Pitcher’s contract is the first step towards a Burrow contract extension this offseason. Burrow is currently on a rookie contract but is in line for a massive payday come this summer. The Bengals will look to finish up contract negotiations with Burrow as fast as possible and look ahead towards the rest of their key free agents.
Bengals’ key unrestricted free agents this off-season: S Jessie Bates, S Vonn Bell, TE Hayden Hurst, CB Eli Apple, LB Germaine Pratt, RB Samaje Perine, TE Drew Sample, CB Tre Flowers.
Bengals projected to be $44 million under salary cap, but also budgeting for Joe Burrow deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2023
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Till then, we can’t wait to see Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts duel in the Super Bowl as the Chiefs take on the Eagles.
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