- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,243,319
- Reaction score
- 59
The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue recently put together a lengthy article highlighting some of the trendiest assistant coaches in the NFL who could capitalize on a big 2026 season. Among them was Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. The lesser-known offensive coordinator, due to Zac Taylor's role as the team's play-caller, has been trending upward over the past few seasons because of the Bengals' consistent ability to produce one of the league's top offenses.
Pitcher took over after the departure of Brian Callahan, who accepted the Tennessee Titans' head coaching job. Pitcher was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator and was a key piece in ensuring the transition did not hit a snag.
Rodrigue said the Bengals' offensive coordinator received interest for both head coaching and offensive coordinator positions after last season. While it isn't surprising that he didn't land a head coaching job, considering he has not been an offensive coordinator for very long, it would have been understandable if he had pursued a more involved offensive coordinator role where he called plays. However, it has been proven that if you have success as Cincinnati's offensive coordinator, you should at least receive interviews for head coaching positions. Furthermore, Pitcher has discussed his in-depth role in the Bengals' offensive strategy, including game planning and midweek preparation, pushing back on and working out ideas with Zac Taylor.
Following this season, which is expected to be a pivotal year for the Bengals, don't be surprised if Pitcher receives interviews for head coaching positions. As usual, multiple coaches are expected to be on the hot seat this season.
The Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Washington Commanders and even the Philadelphia Eagles could all be looking for head coaches next year. Furthermore, it isn't uncommon for owners to lack patience with first-year head coaches. There are now four first-year head coaches in the NFL, with others entering the first year of their second stint as a head coach.
Pitcher could also find himself in a difficult situation because of the immense pressure on the Bengals' coaching staff this season. If something were to go wrong and Cincinnati missed the playoffs, the entire staff could very well be fired. However, based on the public perception of Pitcher and the regard in which he is held around the league, it seems likely he would land on his feet.
Regardless, I would be surprised if Pitcher is the Bengals' offensive coordinator next season. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Zac Taylor, when at their best, make owners envious of the Bengals' offense. Hiring Pitcher would be a defensible decision.
Continue reading...
Pitcher took over after the departure of Brian Callahan, who accepted the Tennessee Titans' head coaching job. Pitcher was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator and was a key piece in ensuring the transition did not hit a snag.
Rodrigue said the Bengals' offensive coordinator received interest for both head coaching and offensive coordinator positions after last season. While it isn't surprising that he didn't land a head coaching job, considering he has not been an offensive coordinator for very long, it would have been understandable if he had pursued a more involved offensive coordinator role where he called plays. However, it has been proven that if you have success as Cincinnati's offensive coordinator, you should at least receive interviews for head coaching positions. Furthermore, Pitcher has discussed his in-depth role in the Bengals' offensive strategy, including game planning and midweek preparation, pushing back on and working out ideas with Zac Taylor.
Following this season, which is expected to be a pivotal year for the Bengals, don't be surprised if Pitcher receives interviews for head coaching positions. As usual, multiple coaches are expected to be on the hot seat this season.
The Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Washington Commanders and even the Philadelphia Eagles could all be looking for head coaches next year. Furthermore, it isn't uncommon for owners to lack patience with first-year head coaches. There are now four first-year head coaches in the NFL, with others entering the first year of their second stint as a head coach.
Pitcher could also find himself in a difficult situation because of the immense pressure on the Bengals' coaching staff this season. If something were to go wrong and Cincinnati missed the playoffs, the entire staff could very well be fired. However, based on the public perception of Pitcher and the regard in which he is held around the league, it seems likely he would land on his feet.
Regardless, I would be surprised if Pitcher is the Bengals' offensive coordinator next season. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Zac Taylor, when at their best, make owners envious of the Bengals' offense. Hiring Pitcher would be a defensible decision.
Continue reading...
