Katie Blackburn on why the Bengals kept Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor

Katie Blackburn sat down with local members of the media on Monday to discuss what’s been a momentous offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals.

One of the topics discussed was why the Bengals decided to keep both Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin in their respective positions as head coach and de facto general manager.

“We think they deserve another opportunity to prove that we can do what we hope we can do,” Blackburn said via Paul Dehner of The Athletic.

After three straight seasons of missing the playoffs, the Bengals were aggressive in adding talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

While Tobin and Taylor may have kept their jobs this year, the organization is expecting a return to the playoffs in 2026.

“We obviously are hoping to have a successful season this year. I know they want to do that as much as I want to do that. I can’t predict anything into the future, but we’re certainly counting on, right now, having a good season and going from there,” she said.

If there is a fourth straight season of missing the playoffs after the additions to this defense, I would imagine a major staff overhaul would be in the works. It’s no secret that Taylor’s seat is about as hot as it is for any NFL coach.

For now, that is not a conversation the front office or this fanbase wants to hear. The expectations are not only a return to the playoffs, but for a deep run in those playoffs.