The Cincinnati Bengals are spiraling into one of the most chaotic moments in franchise history, and their stunning 26–20 meltdown against the New England Patriots may have been the breaking point. With a disappointing season, growing locker-room frustration, and mounting pressure from a furious fanbase, sources inside the organization say Bengals owner Mike Brown is preparing for a seismic shakeup.

And in a twist that shocked everyone, league insiders confirm that Bill Belichick is NOT the target.

Despite rumors swirling across social media about the legendary coach making a dramatic return to the AFC, Bengals leadership has reportedly decided against pursuing Belichick — calling the fit “unlikely, unstable, and not aligned with the long-term direction of the franchise.”

Instead, Mike Brown has quietly begun evaluating four high-profile coaching candidates, each offering a different vision for reawakening Cincinnati’s identity and maximizing the remaining window of quarterback Joe Burrow’s prime.

Here are the four coaches the Bengals are most seriously considering.

🔥 1. Ben Johnson — Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator

The Future-Focused Offensive Architect

If there is one coach the Bengals consider their top target, it’s Detroit Lions offensive mastermind Ben Johnson, widely viewed as one of the brightest young schemers in the NFL.

Sources say Mike Brown is “deeply fascinated” by Johnson’s ability to modernize offenses, elevate young players, and create explosive play design without relying on superstar personnel. Given Joe Burrow’s elite skill set — combined with dynamic pieces like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins — Johnson’s creativity could unlock an entirely new era of offensive dominance in Cincinnati.

However, Johnson is expected to be the hottest name on the coaching market. Multiple teams, including the Falcons, Panthers, and Chargers, may pursue him. But insiders say Cincinnati is prepared to offer full control of offensive personnel — something few teams are willing to do.

🔥 2. Lou Anarumo — Bengals Defensive Coordinator

The Internal Candidate With Player Loyalty

While the Bengals have stumbled, one thing remains true: the locker room loves Lou Anarumo.

The veteran defensive coordinator is considered a stabilizing force, and several Bengals players privately expressed that they would “go to war” for him. Known as one of the best adjustment-based defensive minds in the AFC, Anarumo has earned respect for shutting down elite offenses in high-pressure postseason moments.

Promoting from within could provide continuity and avoid the chaos of a full teardown.

But there’s a catch: ownership is unsure whether promoting Anarumo would signal true change — or simply be viewed as maintaining the status quo.

Still, his name remains firmly in the mix.

🔥 3. DeMeco Ryans — Houston Texans Head Coach (Potential Trade Candidate)

The Culture Shifter and Locker-Room Leader

This is the shocker on the list.

A league executive confirmed that the Bengals have “internally discussed the feasibility” of trading for Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who has rapidly transformed Houston into a disciplined, aggressive, playoff-caliber team.

Ryans is known for:

• Transformational leadership
• Defensive IQ
• Accountability culture

• Player development

Insiders say Mike Brown admires Ryans’ “commanding presence” and believes he could reset the Bengals’ culture overnight.

But acquiring him would be expensive.

It could require a first-round pick, possibly more.

Still, Brown is reportedly willing to consider bold moves — something that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.

🔥 4. Brian Callahan — Tennessee Titans Head Coach

The Former Bengals Coordinator Who Knows the System

Brian Callahan spent years helping build the Bengals’ offensive identity, guiding Joe Burrow and engineering one of the league’s most explosive passing attacks.

Even though he is currently the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, insiders say Cincinnati is monitoring his season closely. If the Titans continue to struggle, the Bengals could make a move — believing a reunion with Burrow could reignite the offensive spark that made Cincinnati feared across the AFC.

Callahan is viewed as a “safe, steady, quarterback-friendly” option who would give Burrow significant input into the future system.

🔥 Why Not Bill Belichick?

Despite Belichick’s legendary résumé, Bengals leadership believes he is:

• Too rigid for the current roster
• Unlikely to mesh with Joe Burrow’s personality
• Unwilling to adopt modern offensive philosophies

• Intent on pursuing a team with full control — something Cincinnati won’t offer

One insider summarized the decision bluntly:

“The Bengals don’t need a dictator. They need a visionary.”

Belichick’s era of domination may be admired — but not repeated in Cincinnati.

🔥 The Future of Zac Taylor

While the Bengals have not officially fired Zac Taylor, sources indicate that the internal belief is that “his time is nearly over.” The loss to the Patriots — filled with offensive stagnation, defensive breakdowns, and questionable game management — reportedly pushed ownership “past the point of patience.”

Players privately express frustration.
Fans are calling for change.

Ownership is evaluating replacements.

And now, with four names circulating behind closed doors, the writing on the wall grows darker by the day.

🔥 What Happens Next?

The Bengals’ offseason may become one of the most pivotal in franchise history.

Will they pursue innovation with Ben Johnson?
Will they promote stability with Lou Anarumo?
Will they shock the NFL with a blockbuster move for DeMeco Ryans?

Or will they bring Brian Callahan home to reunite with Joe Burrow?

One thing is clear:

Cincinnati is preparing for a new era — and Zac Taylor is no longer guaranteed to be part of it.