The Cincinnati Bengals will bring back coach Zac Taylor for a third season.
In a statement released Monday morning, team president Mike Brown said the franchise remains optimistic about Taylor, despite going 6-25-1 in the past two seasons.
“We remain optimistic about the foundation that Zac is building and we look forward to giving our fans the winning results we all want next year,” Brown said in a statement from the team.
Brown’s comments came a day after the Bengals (4-11-1) suffered a 38-3 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in the season finale and allowed a franchise record of 404 rushing yards. It was also a rare public comment from Brown, who hasn’t held a press conference since July 2019.
Taylor’s second season sparked flashes of optimism after the Bengals set the league’s worst record in 2019. November 22. The Bengals were able to beat Pittsburgh for the first time since 2015, winning their first road race since week 4 of the 2018 season.
In addition to Burrow, the team suffered several major injuries at the end of the season. Backsliding Joe Mixon, defensive tackle DJ Reader, cornerback Trae Waynes and left tackle Jonah Williams were all among the players who ended the season on an injured reserve.
“This season we faced challenges with key injuries and missed opportunities,” said Brown. “I am proud of our football team that has fought hard through setbacks. That setback and hard work will help us next season.”
The Bengals have the fifth choice in the 2021 NFL draft.