IT IS OVER: Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor Hands in Resignation to University Officials
In a shocking development that has stunned the NFL world and left fans reeling, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has officially submitted his resignation—bringing an abrupt end to his tenure with the franchise. The news broke early Thursday morning, as multiple sources confirmed that Taylor’s resignation letter had been delivered not to Bengals front office officials, but to a university administration, sparking widespread speculation about his next move.
Taylor, who has led the Bengals since 2019 and guided the team to a Super Bowl appearance and multiple playoff runs, reportedly made the decision following weeks of internal discussions. While the exact reasons behind his departure remain unclear, insiders suggest a mix of professional fatigue, personal reflection, and a potential shift toward the collegiate football landscape.
According to initial reports, the resignation letter was submitted to a major university—though the institution’s identity has not been publicly confirmed. Many are now questioning whether Taylor is preparing to make the leap into the NCAA coaching ranks, perhaps signaling a desire for a new challenge in a different football environment.
In a brief statement released by the Bengals, the organization expressed its respect and appreciation for Taylor’s contributions over the past five seasons. “Zac Taylor has been a tremendous leader for this team,” the statement read. “We are grateful for his dedication, vision, and the culture he helped build. While we are surprised by his decision, we fully support his choice and wish him the very best moving forward.”
The resignation marks the end of an era in Cincinnati, where Taylor earned both praise and criticism over his time at the helm. After struggling in his first two seasons, Taylor’s Bengals rebounded dramatically, reaching the Super Bowl in the 2021 season and cementing their place as contenders in the AFC.
Star quarterback Joe Burrow, who developed under Taylor’s guidance, reacted to the news on social media. “Coach Taylor believed in me from day one. I owe a lot of my growth to him, and I’ll always be thankful for what we built together,” Burrow wrote. “Wherever he goes next, they’re getting one hell of a coach.”
Fans, meanwhile, are divided. Some are expressing disappointment and disbelief at the sudden departure, while others are wishing Taylor well and thanking him for revitalizing a franchise that had long been mired in mediocrity. Social media lit up with tributes, memories, and speculation about who will step into the head coaching role next.
As the Bengals front office begins the search for a successor, questions loom large: Did Taylor simply burn out at the NFL level, or is there already a new opportunity waiting for him in the college ranks? Will the Bengals maintain the momentum he helped build, or face a period of transition and uncertainty?
