Duke

Tobin

Following an emphatic report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport over the weekend that Taylor was going nowhere, the Bengals announced that they’re sticking with the 42-year-old coach Monday morning. Taylor, who took the franchise to its third Super Bowl appearance in 2021 and first since 1988, has also overseen the team nosedive in the last three seasons. Cincinnati hasn’t made the playoffs in three years, with significant injuries to quarterback Joe Burrow impacting two of those seasons. The Bengals defense allowed 492 points this year, the most in franchise history, after moving on from defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo last offseason. Taylor’s contract reportedly runs through the 2027 season, giving him job security that it is difficult to say he’s earned.

In news that will surprise nobody who is familiar with the Bengals organization, Dehner also writes that there “is zero thought” that GM Duke Tobin’s job is in jeopardy and that “the most likely scenario” is that DC Al Golden gets another year as well while the Bengals retool their defensive personnel. Perhaps you think that firing the main architects after a disappointing year is warranted. The Bengals reject your reality and substitute their own.

One of the most coveted front-office assets every offseason, Tobin has routinely turned down any potential general manager opportunities. “There are very few organizations like the Cincinnati Bengals and people like the Browns and Blackburns to work for,” Tobin said. “I really can’t imagine wanting to be somewhere else and wanting to work for another team.” One of the key architects of the Bengals’ recent success, it does not sound like Tobin is going anywhere soon.

Although only 45, Tobin has been a Bengals executive since 1999. The Bengals, who don’t have an official general manager, have arguably the league’s most mysterious front office. Tobin clearly plays a key role.