Zac Taylor Address Bengals Contract After Elimination from NFL Playoff Bracket Race

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor declined to address a report from The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. that he's under contract with the team through the 2027 season, contrary to previous reports that he was only under contract through 2026.

"I don't think it really matters," he told reporters when asked about his contract status. "I coach every day like it's my last. I've been through years in 2019 and 2020 that were, literally, you coach every game thinking it could be your last game. And I've seen how we responded after that, 2021 and 2022 competing for division titles and championships. So, this year is no different for me. It's going through adversity. It's coaching every game in this profession like it could be your last one. I have a lot of confidence in our staff that we're going to get this turned around and we're going to finish this season really strong, and put together a great plan to get back to those championships I mentioned. So, very confident we can do all that."

He was also asked if he's received assurances from ownership that he'll be back in 2026 amidst the team's 4-10 record this year, which will mark a third straight season missing the playoffs.

"That's not really a part of our conversations," he said. "Every week, we're just trying to put together a great plan to win football games and make sure our team's ready to go, make sure I'm ready to go. So, I know that's of curiosity to you guys, but we're just focused on beating the Miami Dolphins."

Taylor, 42, is 50-62-1 in seven years as Cincy's head coach, with playoff appearances in the 2021-22 seasons and a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. The 2025 season will break a four-year streak of winning records, though the team was just 9-8 in the 2023-24 campaigns.