Zac Taylor's hot seat keeps getting hotter after latest Bengals rumors
The Cincinnati Bengals might finally be running out of patience with head coach Zac Taylor, as the combination of a three-win 2025 season and their complete defensive capitulation has put the Bengals in a position where a firing might be necessary.
The movement to kick Taylor out of town is not just the byproduct of frustrated Bengals fans who want to see their losing ways reversed. It seems like many of the powers that be in the NFL are keeping an eye on Cincinnati in case Taylor does end up shaking free.
ESPN's Dan Graziano is reporting that the NFL is keeping a close eye on the Bengals, in addition to the Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons, as a team that could end up making some changes to their head coaching staff.
Even though Taylor has been able to take this team with inches of a Lombardi trophy, it's very hard to take a look at this 2025 squad and claim they should run it back with many of the same personnel in key leadership roles.
ESPN reports NFL is watching if Bengals will fire head coach Zac Taylor
Taylor defenders will point to the notion that Burrow's injury sunk the season to the point where it became impossible to field a winning team while calling out Duke Tobin for providing him with perhaps the worst top-down defensive roster in the game today.
However, Taylor's decision to hire Al Golden as defensive coordinator to run that defense and the fact that he lit three games on fire by starting Jake Browning were both choices that he made, and he appears to have rolled snake eyes in both of them. Taylor can't keep living off 2021 and 2022 forever.
One thing that Taylor, who has gone 49-58-1 in Cincinnati and 5-2 in the playoffs, has going in his favor is the fact that Mike Brown and the Bengals are notoriously loyal when it comes to head coaches. Those playoff runs with a healthy Burrow might convince ownership that such success is right around the corner if No. 9 isn't on the mend.
While that isn't a crazy notion, sometimes it's just time for a change. Taylor will be remembered fondly for getting this team as close to a Super Bowl win as possible, but 2025 might be all that Cincinnati needs to show the NFL that some new blood is needed in the worst way.
BREAKING NEWS: Jahmyr Gibbs Offers Pay Cut to Stay in Detroit, but Lions’ Response Leaves Everyone Shocked
DETROIT (Nov 27, 2025) — In a stunning turn of events, Detroit Lions star running back Jahmyr Gibbs made an unexpected move in his bid to remain with the team, offering to take a pay cut after discovering he was involved in trade talks. However, what the Lions management said next caught everyone off guard.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Gibbs, who has been a standout performer for the Lions this season, was shocked to learn he had been included in trade discussions as the NFL’s trade deadline approached. With his future in Detroit uncertain, Gibbs, known for his professionalism and dedication to the team, took matters into his own hands and made an offer to team management that left the organization—and many around the league—speechless.
A Shocking Offer
According to multiple reports, Gibbs approached the Lions’ front office with a proposal: he was willing to take a pay cut in order to stay in Detroit, a move that would allow the team to retain him and free up cap space for other roster needs. “I want to be here, I want to help this team win,” Gibbs reportedly said in a meeting with general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. “If taking a pay cut is what it takes, I’m ready to do that for the team.”
This kind of gesture is rare in the NFL, where players generally seek to maximize their earnings, especially given the high injury risk and short career span. But for Gibbs, his loyalty to the Lions was clear, and his desire to stay in Detroit spoke volumes about his commitment to the organization and his teammates.
The Unexpected Response
What followed, however, stunned everyone in the room. In a surprising move, the Lions management did not immediately accept Gibbs’ offer. Instead, Holmes and Campbell revealed that they had no intention of negotiating a new contract or making any immediate roster changes. “We’re not moving on from you,” Holmes reportedly told Gibbs. “You’re not going anywhere. We want you here long term.”
While it’s not uncommon for teams to engage in trade talks or explore options with their players, especially when managing the salary cap, the Lions' direct response to Gibbs’ offer of a pay cut was both unexpected and revealing. The team reassured him that his future in Detroit was secure and that they viewed him as a vital part of their offensive core moving forward.
Gibbs’ Impact on the Lions’ Offense
Gibbs, who was selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly become one of the most electrifying young running backs in the league. This season, he has already racked up over 1,200 total yards and 10 touchdowns, emerging as a dynamic playmaker both on the ground and through the air. His versatility and explosive speed have made him a crucial piece in the Lions’ offensive scheme, and he has quickly earned the trust of quarterback Jared Goff and the coaching staff.
Gibbs’ impact has been felt not only on the field but also in the locker room, where he has developed a strong bond with his teammates. The Lions, currently sitting at 8-3, are in the thick of the NFC playoff race, and Gibbs’ contributions have been pivotal in their success.
A Bright Future in Detroit
Despite the trade talks and the uncertainty that surrounded his status with the team, Gibbs’ future in Detroit now seems secure. The Lions’ decision to assure him of his place in the organization and rebuff his offer of a pay cut demonstrates their commitment to building around him as the centerpiece of their offense.
As the Lions continue their playoff push, Gibbs will remain a focal point of their game plan. His ability to change the course of a game with his speed and vision makes him one of the most valuable players on the roster. With the Lions showing faith in Gibbs and his willingness to sacrifice for the team, this relationship appears poised for long-term success.
Looking Ahead
This unexpected turn of events has left fans and analysts alike buzzing. The Lions have not only retained one of their most talented players but have also reaffirmed their commitment to building a winning team around him. For Gibbs, this saga highlights his loyalty to Detroit and his desire to help the team reach new heights.
With a promising future ahead, both Gibbs and the Lions are now focused on what lies ahead this season. As Detroit aims to secure a playoff spot and make a deep run, the bond between Gibbs and the organization has never been stronger.
