Zac Taylor’s journey from a relatively unknown figure in the NFL coaching ranks to the head coach of a team that has become one of the most exciting franchises in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. Taking over as the Cincinnati Bengals’ head coach in 2019, Taylor inherited a team that was struggling both on and off the field. Fast forward to today, and the Bengals are one of the most promising teams in the league, with Taylor at the helm. But how did this young coach manage to turn things around so quickly? And what does the future hold for Taylor and the Bengals?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Zac Taylor’s rise to prominence, his impact on the Bengals, and what makes him one of the brightest coaching minds in the NFL today.
Zac Taylor’s Early Career: The Foundation of Success
Before becoming the head coach of the Bengals, Zac Taylor had a varied career in football, working his way up through the ranks with a mix of college and NFL coaching experience. Born in Norman, Oklahoma, Taylor’s football journey began as a player. He played quarterback at the University of Nebraska, where he set several records and gained recognition for his leadership skills. Although he didn’t make a name for himself in the NFL as a player, his understanding of the game and football IQ was evident from an early age.
After finishing his playing career, Taylor transitioned into coaching. His early coaching stints included positions with the University of Texas-El Paso, the Miami Dolphins, and the Los Angeles Rams. While Taylor’s early coaching experience might not have been as high-profile as some other NFL coaches, it allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the game, particularly on offense.
One of the turning points in his career came when he joined the Los Angeles Rams as the quarterbacks coach under head coach Sean McVay. It was here that Taylor truly honed his craft and gained recognition as one of the rising stars in the NFL coaching community. Working alongside McVay, who is widely regarded as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the league, Taylor learned how to create dynamic, fast-paced offenses that could exploit defensive weaknesses.
It was Taylor’s time with the Rams that ultimately paved the way for his big break: becoming the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Taking the Helm in Cincinnati
In 2019, Taylor was hired as the Bengals’ head coach, taking over a team that had struggled for several years. The Bengals had a rich history of playoff appearances but were in a rebuild mode at the time. Taylor inherited a roster with significant holes, and the team was coming off a disappointing 6-10 season. Despite having limited success in his first two years as head coach—especially with a rough 2-14 record in 2019—Taylor showed resilience and a vision for the future.
One of the first things that stood out about Taylor was his commitment to turning the Bengals into a more modern, dynamic offense. Under his leadership, the team began to implement a high-powered, fast-paced attack, with an emphasis on the passing game. Taylor brought in his understanding of McVay’s system, tailoring it to the talents of his young quarterback, Joe Burrow, and the rest of the offensive unit.
In 2020, Taylor’s faith in Burrow was tested when the rookie quarterback suffered a devastating knee injury that ended his season early. Despite the setback, Taylor continued to develop his team, leaning on the experience of his veteran players and giving opportunities to younger talent. By the time Burrow was healthy again for the 2021 season, the Bengals were ready to take the league by storm.
The Bengals’ Breakout Season: 2021 and Beyond
The 2021 season was a game-changer for both Zac Taylor and the Bengals. The team finished with a 10-7 record and won the AFC North, their first division title in six years. However, it was their incredible playoff run that really solidified Taylor’s coaching legacy. The Bengals, led by Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, surprised many by making it to the Super Bowl. While they ultimately fell short, losing to the Los Angeles Rams, the Bengals’ performance that season exceeded expectations and showed that Taylor’s vision for the team was paying off.
Taylor’s ability to guide a young quarterback like Burrow, who was drafted first overall in 2020, was crucial to the team’s success. Taylor played a vital role in helping Burrow develop into one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. He tailored the offense to fit Burrow’s strengths, using a mix of short, quick passes and deep shots downfield to take advantage of the speed and athleticism of Burrow’s weapons, particularly Chase. Taylor’s play-calling and ability to make adjustments on the fly were key to the Bengals’ success, especially in high-pressure moments during the playoffs.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Taylor also improved the team’s defense, which had been a major weakness in the past. The addition of Trey Hendrickson in free agency and the development of younger players like Logan Wilson made a noticeable difference. Taylor’s focus on a balanced approach—building a competitive offense while improving the defense—has been a hallmark of his coaching philosophy, and it paid dividends in 2021.
The Key Traits That Make Zac Taylor Stand Out
So, what exactly makes Zac Taylor such a successful coach? There are several key traits that set him apart:
- Offensive Innovation: Taylor’s time working with McVay in Los Angeles shaped his offensive philosophy. He knows how to run an up-tempo, pass-heavy offense that can stretch the field and keep defenses guessing. The Bengals’ offense is one of the most explosive in the NFL, thanks to Taylor’s ability to scheme plays that maximize the strengths of his players.
- Player Development: Taylor has shown an uncanny ability to develop his players, particularly his quarterbacks. After helping Joe Burrow emerge as a star, Taylor has also worked to develop other key players on the roster, from wide receivers like Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins to defensive stars like Sam Hubbard and Jesse Bates. Taylor’s coaching has made the Bengals a much more well-rounded team, and his emphasis on individual growth has paid off.
- Calm Under Pressure: One of Taylor’s most impressive qualities is his ability to remain calm and composed during high-pressure situations. Whether it’s guiding his team through tight playoff games or making key in-game adjustments, Taylor’s demeanor has instilled confidence in his players. His leadership during tense moments, such as when the Bengals overcame a 21-3 deficit to win the AFC Championship in 2021, has earned him respect throughout the league.
- Strong Leadership: Taylor has created a strong team culture in Cincinnati. His approach emphasizes trust, discipline, and accountability. He’s managed to unite a young team with veterans, instilling a sense of belief that they can accomplish anything together. Taylor’s leadership has created a culture of winning and has set the foundation for sustained success.
What’s Next for Zac Taylor and the Bengals?
After a successful 2021 season, the future looks incredibly bright for both Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals. The team has young stars, including Burrow, Chase, and Joe Mixon, and they’ve built a strong foundation that could keep them competitive for years to come.
For Taylor, the goal now is to continue building on the success of 2021 and take the Bengals to the next level. With a dynamic offense, an improved defense, and a clear vision for the team’s future, Taylor has the tools to lead the Bengals to more playoff appearances and, ultimately, a Super Bowl victory.
As the Bengals continue to improve and mature under Taylor’s leadership, there’s no doubt that he will remain one of the most talked-about and respected coaches in the NFL. Whether or not the Bengals can secure that elusive championship remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Zac Taylor’s impact on the team has been transformational, and the Bengals are only getting started.
Conclusion: Zac Taylor’s Coaching Legacy in the Making
Zac Taylor’s rise from a relatively unknown coach to the leader of one of the NFL’s most promising teams is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and vision. His ability to develop young talent, implement a modern offense, and guide his team through adversity has set him apart as one of the NFL’s top coaches. As the Bengals continue to rise, so does Taylor’s coaching legacy. The future looks bright for both the Bengals and Taylor, and it’s clear that the best is yet to come for this exciting team.
