The Cincinnati Bengals had a very rough 2025 season, and with the season coming to a close with a loss to the Cleveland Browns, there were ample questions about the future of head coach Zac Taylor in Cincinnati.

Leading up to the close of the season, there had been plenty of rumors that Taylor and Duke Tobin were not going anywhere. But, officially, no decision had been made.

That was, until the Bengals announced their final decision on Taylor and Tobin for the 2026 season. The announcement revealed that both were returning for 2026 despite a rough 2025 season.

Bengals announce Zac Taylor decision after rough 2025 season

“After thorough consideration, I am confident that Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor are the right leaders to guide us forward.” Mike Brown shared in a statement.

The Bengals are, expectedly, moving forward with Taylor as the head coach and Tobin as the director of player personnel for the 2026 season.

A 6-11 season for Cincinnati in 2025, one marred by the lengthy absence of Joe Burrow and the struggles of the defense from start to finish, is not going to lead to changes in the power structure.

While some Bengals fans were hoping for change, the head coach and director of player personnel are coming back for another year.

The rumors leading up to this announcement stated as such, but the Week 18 loss to the Browns had their statuses in some doubt again.

Taylor and Tobin will get at least one more season, and barring another brutal campaign next year, they might continue to stay as the leaders for the Bengals until their current contracts (through 2027) run out.

But, for now, both Tobin and Taylor are returning in their roles for the Bengals in 2026 following the disappointment that was the 2025 season.