Cincinnati, OH — The search has officially begun. After parting ways with head coach Zac Taylor, Bengals owner Mike Brown and executive vice president Katie Blackburn are deep into a sweeping national hunt for the franchise’s next leader. And while early buzz linked the team to NFL legend Bill Belichick, sources inside the organization say the Bengals are not pursuing the former Patriots icon.

Instead, Cincinnati has zeroed in on four high-level coaching candidates, all meeting a strict internal standard built around championship pedigree, locker-room leadership, player-development skill, and the ability to maximize superstar quarterback Joe Burrow during his prime.

Below is a breakdown of the Bengals’ criteria, the priorities shaping the search, and the four names rising to the top.

🎯 The Bengals’ Mandate: More Than Just Replacing a Coach

Following Zac Taylor’s dismissal, team president Mike Brown kept his comments brief but unusually direct:

“We need a coach who can lead this team to a Super Bowl. Not eventually — now.”

Behind the scenes, sources say the Bengals’ brass is united around four requirements:

• Proven NFL coaching success — preferably at coordinator or head-coach level

• Elite quarterback development skills for maximizing Joe Burrow’s window

• Strong adaptability to analytics, modern offenses, and injury management

• A commanding locker-room presence capable of stabilizing a team hit hard by injuries and inconsistency

Cincinnati’s approach this time is described as “methodical, analytics-driven, and aggressive,” a departure from past searches that leaned heavily on internal familiarity.

🧑‍💼 The Four Leading Candidates

Of all the names circulating in national NFL media, four have consistently emerged as serious contenders inside the Bengals organization.

1. Ben Johnson — Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions

Arguably the hottest name in the coaching market, Johnson is widely considered the early favorite. His explosive, creative Detroit offense has turned Jared Goff into a top-tier quarterback again, and Bengals officials believe his scheme could elevate Burrow to MVP levels.

Sources say Johnson is No. 1 on Cincinnati’s board, but several other teams will pursue him aggressively.

2. Lou Anarumo — Bengals Defensive Coordinator

Anarumo has been a respected internal candidate for years, and Cincinnati quietly views him as a strong option for continuity. Despite defensive struggles this season, his playoff résumé — including shutting down Patrick Mahomes in the 2021 AFC Championship — carries weight.

He is seen as a player-favorite and a stabilizing force in the locker room.

3. Brian Callahan — Offensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans

A longtime Bengals assistant before joining Tennessee as OC, Callahan maintains deep ties inside the organization. He understands Burrow, helped build the Bengals’ modern offensive identity, and is considered one of the league’s sharpest QB developers.

Sources say the front office sees him as the “most seamless transition option.”

4. Mike Macdonald — Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks

If the Bengals opt for a defensive-minded leader, Macdonald is the most intriguing young candidate in the league. Known for his discipline, organization, and schematic brilliance, he offers a modern, detail-oriented approach that matches Cincinnati’s long-term vision.

He represents the “upside hire” with the potential for a decade-long run.

🔍 Why Not Bill Belichick?

Despite rumors and fan speculation, sources confirm Cincinnati is not targeting Belichick.

The reasons are clear:

• His age and coaching style don’t align with the Bengals’ long-term plan

• Concerns about power dynamics and roster control

• Questions about whether he would fully commit to a multi-year rebuild of culture

• Cincinnati prefers younger, offensive-minded candidates who can grow alongside Burrow

While the organization respects his legacy, Belichick is not in serious consideration.

📌 The Stakes Are Sky-High

The Bengals are in a defining moment.

With Joe Burrow healthy again in 2026 and backed by stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati views this coaching hire as the decision that will determine whether they win a Super Bowl during Burrow’s prime years.

The organization has already begun interviews and is working with an executive search group to vet candidates — though Mike Brown will remain the final decision-maker.

The pressure is enormous: fans expect a coach who can win big immediately, not after a multi-year rebuild.

🧭 The Road Ahead

If Ben Johnson signals genuine interest, he becomes the clear front-runner.
If not, Anarumo, Callahan, and Macdonald all remain highly viable.

This will not be a quick search — but it will be pivotal.

Because for the Bengals, this isn’t just a coaching change.

It’s a franchise-defining pivot point.

The next coach will determine the trajectory of Joe Burrow’s prime, the future of the AFC North battle, and whether Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window remains open — or begins to slip.