ESPN REPORT: Just Moments Ago, Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor Steps Down Amid Personal and Professional Challenges
By ESPN Staff Writer — October 26, 2025
CINCINNATI, OH — In a shocking turn of events, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has reportedly stepped down from his position, citing “personal and professional reasons” after what sources describe as a “tumultuous” few weeks both on and off the field.
According to sources close to the situation, Taylor and his wife Sarah Sherman have filed for divorce, marking the end of a long relationship that began well before his NFL coaching career took off. The personal news comes amid what insiders are calling “significant organizational stress and mounting performance errors” that have weighed heavily on the Bengals’ leadership structure.
While official statements from the Bengals organization are limited, reports suggest that internal discussions about Taylor’s future began after several close losses that derailed Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. Team insiders claim Taylor’s recent decisions — including a controversial late-game call in Week 8 — sparked internal debate and external scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.
In a brief statement released late Sunday evening, Taylor said:
“Coaching this team has been one of the greatest honors of my life. However, after careful thought, I’ve decided to step away to focus on personal matters and reflect on the next chapter of my life.”
Taylor, who helped guide the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021, had become a cornerstone of the franchise’s recent resurgence. His departure leaves a significant leadership void for a team built around star quarterback Joe Burrow and a potent offensive unit.
The Bengals front office is expected to name an interim coach within the next 48 hours. Early reports suggest Offensive Coordinator Brian Callahan could take over temporarily while the organization evaluates long-term options.
As for Taylor’s personal life, those close to the family describe the situation as “deeply private and difficult.” Friends have asked for the public to respect their privacy during this time.
Despite the suddenness of the announcement, Taylor’s legacy in Cincinnati remains noteworthy. Under his guidance, the Bengals transformed from perennial underdogs into serious AFC contenders, revitalizing fan passion and putting the city back on the NFL map.
What comes next for both Zac Taylor and the Bengals remains uncertain — but one thing is clear: this marks the end of an era for Cincinnati football.
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