Zac Taylor: The Coaching Journey from Texas A&M to the Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor has carved a distinct path through the ranks of American football, evolving from a graduate assistant in college athletics to a head coach in the National Football League (NFL). His career is defined by a steady climb through various coaching roles, a knack for developing elite quarterbacks, and a historic tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Early Career and Foundational Years
Taylor began his coaching journey at Texas A&M, where he served as a graduate assistant and later as the tight ends coach. During his four-year tenure, he worked under the mentorship of head coach Mike Sherman, who was also his father-in-law.
In January 2012, Taylor transitioned to the professional level when he was named the assistant quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins. His ability to develop talent became evident during his time in Miami, particularly through his work with quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Under Taylor's guidance, Tannehill became only the second quarterback in Dolphins history to record multiple 3,000-yard seasons and ranked third for the most passing yards by a quarterback in their first four NFL seasons, totaling 15,460 yards.
By November 30, 2015, Taylor was promoted to interim offensive coordinator for the Dolphins following the dismissal of Bill Lazor. In the five games he led the offense, the team averaged 17 points per game and finished with a 2–3 record.
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Transition to College and the Los Angeles Rams
In January 2016, Taylor returned to the collegiate level as the offensive coordinator for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, hired by head coach Tommy Tuberville. This move was facilitated by Jim Turner, a former Dolphins offensive line coach.
His success in college led him back to the NFL in 2017, when he joined the Los Angeles Rams under head coach Sean McVay. Initially hired as the assistant wide receivers coach, Taylor was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2018. In this role, he coached Jared Goff to the NFC Championship and an appearance in Super Bowl LIII on February 3, 2019.
Leading the Cincinnati Bengals
On February 4, 2019, Taylor was appointed head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. His start was challenging; the team suffered the worst start in franchise history, beginning 0–11. Taylor recorded his first victory in Week 13 with a 22–6 win over the New York Jets, snapping a 13-game losing streak. The Bengals finished the 2019 season with a 2–14 record, securing the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
The Joe Burrow Era and Super Bowl Run
The 2020 season saw the arrival of first-overall pick Joe Burrow. While the team struggled with a 4–11–1 record—partly due to a season-ending knee injury suffered by Burrow in Week 11—Taylor achieved his first head coaching winning streak and first road win with the team.
The 2021 season marked a turning point. With a healthy Burrow, Taylor led the Bengals to a 10–7 record and their first AFC North division title since 2015. The team embarked on a historic playoff run, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and Kansas City Chiefs to reach Super Bowl LVI. Although they lost 23–20 to the Los Angeles Rams, the achievement earned Taylor a contract extension through 2026.
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Continued Growth and Recent Seasons
In 2022, Taylor led the Bengals to a 12–4 record and a second consecutive AFC North title, a franchise first. He earned significant praise for his leadership during the Damar Hamlin incident in Week 17, opposing the resumption of the game. The team reached the AFC Championship Game for the second year in a row, where they eventually fell to the Kansas City Chiefs. By this point, Taylor had secured five postseason victories, equaling the total of all previous Bengals head coaches combined.
Following these heights, the Bengals experienced a period of stabilization and struggle, finishing 9–8 in both 2023 and 2024, missing the playoffs in both instances. In the 2025 season, the team finished third in the AFC North with a 6–11 record.
Key Facts
- NFL Debut: Joined the Miami Dolphins as assistant quarterbacks coach in 2012.
- Quarterback Development: Helped Ryan Tannehill reach 15,460 passing yards in his first four seasons.
- Bengals Milestone: Led Cincinnati to their first Super Bowl appearance since Super Bowl XXIII.
- Postseason Success: Achieved five playoff wins, matching the combined total of all previous Bengals head coaches.
- Division Titles: Secured back-to-back AFC North titles in 2021 and 2022.
| Season | Record | Division Finish | Postseason Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2–14 | 4th (AFC North) | Did not qualify |
| 2020 | 4–11–1 | 4th (AFC North) | Did not qualify |
| 2021 | 10–7 | 1st (AFC North) | Super Bowl LVI Runner-up |
| 2022 | 12–4 | 1st (AFC North) | AFC Championship Game |
| 2023 | 9–8 | 4th (AFC North) | Did not qualify |
| 2024 | 9–8 | 3rd (AFC North) | Did not qualify |
| 2025 | 6–11 | 3rd (AFC North) | Did not qualify |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Zac Taylor work under at Texas A&M?
Zac Taylor served under head coach Mike Sherman, who was both his mentor and his father-in-law.
Which NFL quarterback did Taylor help develop in Miami?
Taylor worked closely with Ryan Tannehill, helping him become one of the most productive young quarterbacks in Dolphins history with over 15,000 passing yards in four seasons.
What was Taylor's most successful season with the Bengals?
The 2021 season was his most successful, as he led the team to a 10–7 record, an AFC North title, and an appearance in Super Bowl LVI.
How many postseason wins has Zac Taylor achieved?
Taylor has achieved five postseason victories, a number that equals the combined total of all former head coaches in Cincinnati Bengals history.
When did the Bengals first win back-to-back division titles?
The Bengals earned back-to-back AFC North titles for the first time in franchise history under Zac Taylor in 2021 and 2022.