Lou and his defense paved the way for our Superbowl run and the only playoff wins I have seen in my lifetime. Personally I'll always appreciate him and I think as a fanbase we should give him his flowers. It was time to move on but thank you Lou!
Big mistake by the Bengals. This team only went where the defense took them and Anarumo was maybe the only DC in the league who could challenge the Chiefs every game they played. Then they took all of Anarumo's player. Gave him junk and then fired him. Now the team wants to pay the same people that have missed the playoffs the last 2 years in a row to max contracts. This is not how you run a legitimate franchise.
the loyalty this organization held throughout the season to Sam Hubbard and Geno Stone killed them this season. It's no coincidence that the moment Hubbard went down and we started playing our young talent, the defense transformed to what we were all hoping for. unfortunately it was too late
that part!!!💯noticed how when jordan battle was the starting strong safety over vonn bell after the bye week, the defense noticeably played better other than the 1st game against the steelers? it wasn't lack of any talent on defense, the talent is there. they just weren't developing the younger defensive players properly.
Lou being the scapegoat for Tobin is laughable. The defensive personnel in the secondary let the bengals down this year, not the coordination. We need better secondary play.
The front office let the defense down letting talent walk...Lou is just the face of the deeper problem. He's a Superbowl caliber coordinator. He will find a good job elsewhere I'm sure of it
They certainly needed more talent on defense, but most of the Bengals cap is going to be headed to the offensive side of the ball. I think Tobin probably hedged his bets in case a deal got done with Chase over the summer. So as the DC you’ve got to develop your young draft picks. Going forward the Bengals will probably follow the usual NFL model. The QB gets the huge contact, then WR1 and maybe WR2, defensive end, left tackle and cover corner, every other position you’ve got to make do with younger guys or cheaper guys. Either way you’ll have to develop them.
As a chiefs fan I would be more worried about the bengals if they got a better coach than Zac, just my 2 cents but I will admit I do not watch every bengals game.
@TripleG12398 True but Joe needs to REALLY needs to embrace running the ball more... not just efficiently and not just for a couple big runs.... but running the ball more because Burrow admitted that throwing the ball too much (50 times) is how he likes to play a few weeks ago Remember when its was a struggle for Burrow to learn how to throw it faster and do more quick game... when Burrow only wanted to be a big game hunter but Joe made the adjustments against his own tendencies Need Joe to continue to make adjustments bc otherwise the NFL and refs will allow him to get hurt again... both Steelers defenders could have rolled off Joe and especially the defender that was on the top... but they didn't even call a penalty which puts defenses & Burrow on notice that they will allow it. Its bs that it wasn't penalized but Joe needs to switch his game up some more to protect himself by throwing less (which also helps his OL protect him too)
@@bengalsfandom623 true..........they should throw in more read options in their running game. no teams actually view burrow as a threat in the ground game but we have seen that he has plenty of mobility in him. if the bengals do that, it could open up for more explosive plays in both running and passing the ball because it can definitely catch the defense off guard.
Troy Aiken said something during the game I didn't know about Burrow. He said Burrow wants 5 options when passing. Most teams have 4 and keep a TE or RB to help block. This would lead to more sacks.
You’re blaming Anarumo for personnel decisions as if he was the GM…he’s not responsible for letting Jessie Bates walk, letting DJ Reader walk, missing on draft picks, and failing in free agency.
We need to fire Duke Tobin. He is absolute garbage at building a team. Look at how aggressive the Eagles always are in free agency and in the draft. And we also need to fire Zac Taylor. His in game management, play calling, and starts to the season are awful. Burrow is already 28. Let’s not waste his career.
Not excusing Tobin, but comparing his "control" over FA moves to what the GM of the Eagles is allowed to do, is apples/oranges. Duke has to deal with mikeyboy & katiegirl's "limits," he doesn't just get to wheel & deal as he sees fit like real NFL GMs are allowed & expected to do. Duke, like all else on the team, is a symptom of the problem but not the underlying problem
You can say that but I think there is juice to squeeze in what we have, if we signed one of those NT in the offseason we invited the balance of the offense looks a lot different
I'd let Joseph Ossai walk in a heartbeat. Ossai's silly late hit on Mahomes in the 2022 AFC Championship game possibly cost the Bengals a Super Bowl appearance and win.
@@buckyplayz1919 Zac is the HEAD COACH. He needs to be one and look after both sides. Being an Offense guy, he sure doesn’t help burrow out any. Always has burrow line up in shotgun, runs the ball on first down, then hope burrow and chase bails him out after calling stupid plays.
I was expecting something to happen I wasn't sure if it was gonna be Zach or who, I must say Lou will be missed, he has served the Bengals good! This year was a mix of things not entirely in his control, but his track record here speaks for him. I truly wish him success wherever he lands next.
If you caught Tobin after the combines, he commented, we give these coaches good young athletes, they have to develop them. After this season, Lou's reluctance to use these draft picks sealed the deal.
For those complaining that the Bengals shouldn’t had fired Lou, are just delusional. Out of his 6 years as DC for the Bengals he only produced 1 year with a defense rating above #10. 2019 - #25 2020 - #22 2021 - #17 (Super Bowl) 2022 - #6 (AFCN Championship) 2023 - #17 2024 - #25
The Bengals had statistically the best QB, best WR and best defensive player in the league in 2024 and FAILED to make the playoffs. How the hell does Zac Taylor still have a job?
As a FORMER season ticket holder (53 years worth), I would agree that the Bengals ownership/management is THE WORST in all of professional sports. Ever since Paul Brown went to "football heaven," this Bengals franchise has been a train wreck. I am sure Mike Brown is a lovely man but he is PATHETIC at running an NFL franchise. Every time I am reminded of how many NFL teams have attained MULTIPLE Super Bowl rings, while we have none, I want to puke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤮
@@JMK-vo8pv 12 teams have never won a superbowl (Bills, Vikings, Falcons) 4 teams have never played in the superbowl (Lions, Texans) 5 teams have won 1 superbowl (Eagles, Seahawks, Saints)
That's absolute nonsense. Lou's fingerprints in both post season runs was his ability to adapt the game in real time. You don't know what you're talking about.
It depended entirely on the position. He was not in the habit of swapping out safeties for example. That's why Dax didn't get a lot of snaps his first year.
I would love to see Vrabel come in as DC but he's most likely only going to go somewhere as a HC. Hire someone who can manage the clock for Zac because he sure as hell can't.
they should get robert saleh. notice how josh allen and bills was struggling with the jets defense and once robert saleh got fired, the bills offense didn't struggle that much against the jets anymore.
Definitely feel that ownership hamstrung the Defense by not paying folks, but you still have to coach the players you have. The lack of tackling is squarely on the coaching staff. Let's also not forget Trae Waynes. Very happy to finally see Frank Pollack go.. Burrow has been sacked 196 times in 69 games. You can't do that to the Franchise.
Pollack was absolutely awful for our schemes and developing OL. He had so many draft misses and horrific OL play. Lou is a tougher decision as our personnel was very young (and bad quite frankly) this season against good teams. However, it did feel like his message seemed to get lost this year - felt like players either weren’t listening to him anymore or lost respect for his gameplans. So many awful mental mistakes in every game - just felt like we need a new voice at DC, can’t give up 40 pts a game
The march of the scapegoats, this is the beginning of the end for Zac Taylor. The Bengals being to cheap to pay Zac Taylor to sit on the couch is the only reason he still has a job. We have 2 more years of Zac's ineptitude. Hopefully JoeyB can survive.
Zac is offensive guy and quarterback guy based off that id say he's still riding Joe and the 2021 season for another year this is probably his last shot too
@@FunDadHubby the offensive line (especially the interior offensive line) is still a problem. the offense has actually been succeeding in spite of how bad the offensive line has played. if the o-line played a lot better, the bengals offense would be best in the NFL.
That's the question: Who is responsible in the front office for contract negotiations? The drama caused by contract negotiations this past season was irresponsible and effected team morale. This person should go.
Let the horse shit about Jesse and DJ go ? Let it go …. Bates got his bag w his agent and the falcons ain’t going nowhere except smoking crack. DJ is a role player not the main or premier defensive player for the lions. These firings are bad ass and awesome I applaud the balls finally to do it These are exactly the ppl who needed to go
@@briansmith3367 Reader was a decent NT, but what's the obsession with Jessie Bates? Have you been watching the Falcons? Bates is getting cooked, he's overpaid and overrated.
Typical inept Bengals brass: take away Lou’s best players and signs the wrong players then fire him. I’m sure Lou didn’t want to favor veteran players like the brass’ hometown boy Hubbard. Lou was the best coach on that team.
It’s about time they fired Lou and Frank. The offensive line has never been able to run block since Zac has been the head coach, but it’s gotten worse since Frank has taken over the offensive line. As far as lousy Lou goes, his defense is always finished near the bottom he should’ve been fired at least two years ago.
If the only problem was with the personnel decisions and not Lou's coaching, then perhaps they should have fired their personnel director and let Lou coach... But of course they can't do that because Tobin is "practically family" to the Browns. The incompetence of this organization really is on another level. Firing a coach for personnel acquisition issues. Comical.
As a Bengals fan, Lou in his Prime was a bend dont break defense, hoping on opportunistic turnovers to win. You cant depend on those. At Lou's worst, we are 28-32 def in the league. Time for him to go. He wore the Bengals patch well but we lost an all time season due to this
I actually think firing Lou was a mistake. He didn’t have any talent to work with this year besides Trey. Frank Pollack and Zack Taylor need to go. When you let Bates and Reader walk out the door and draft terrible players like Myles Murphy and Dax Hill the Defense will regress.
He's a damn good coordinator but this is a production business and he didn't get it done... We need change period... I wish we could get rid of Duke Tobin as well
I think they also need to realize they may be able to get more impactful players by trading picks rather than using them. Especially in they will be drafting mid to late round.
Are we blaming coaches for personnel moves or the scouting and contract negotiations? What role and responsibilty does anyone in the Front Office or ownership assume?
The Bengals have a staff of 6 scouts to locate talented players when most teams have around 20 scouts. This is a major problem. Again squeezing pennies and not dealing with the real problem ... understaffing of a critical department.
I don't know why some Bengal fans are upset. Taylor was never going to get fired. They got rid of almost all the Defensive staff. Before 2021 I was never impressed with Lou as a Def Coordinator. Team also got rid of Off Line Coach Frank Pollack who has done a lousy job coaching up the Offense line. I am happy these firings happened. BTW fans posting about Rex Ryan give me a break. Rex Ryan is a talking head bluster on ESPN who talks a better game than he ever coached in the NFL. Stop talking about Rex Ryan.
Everyone blaming the players and injuries for Lou getting fired is only seeing half the picture. Lou put together a good defense the last five weeks with what you call as backups. Tell me why it couldn't look that good from week one? He was forced to make changes and not play the stupid zone react scheme he has played for the last two years. There is a thing as being too creative. Those of you saying Reader and bates leaving are the reason the defense has suffered are only half right. Bates covered up concept deficiencies in Lou's scheme. Lou has never really ran a good scheme. He's just had players that covered up some of the glaring issues. It is 100% on Lou that he didn't try and retool things once bates left. He tried to same song and dance for two years. When his job looked like it was in jeopardy, he played more traditional 4-3, even some 3-4, he played more traditional man and zone concepts. He rotated more speed rush concepts. He adapted the defense for the players on the field. And it is 100% his detriment and his fault he didn't do it sooner. He has developed no one. He pridefully kept Hubbard in 8 games longer than he should have. He did not make choices proactively, his hand was forced. There is no defending him. It was time to go. He had one good year his entire tenure and was sub 20 the rest. He's still a good guy, but looking at how things played out, he was too stubborn to not change things.
Cincy needs to draft the best available player not based on need. Rankins should be playing at the league minimal based on the fact he rarely plays more than 8 games/season.
I just have much respect for Coach Lou and the rest of the coaching staff. I do wonder if coach Zack did that in order to save himself. It just doesn't make any sense to think that the firing of coaches can produce better outcomes for our o-line and our defensive secondary. Bullocks.
I have watched Lou stick in a soft zone prevent defense like he owed it money. Then, finally, after 3 quarters of our opponents scoring at will, switch to man and finally stop then when it's too late. I'm glad to see change and maybe someone capable of making adjustments before it's too late to catch up.
Having a quarterback like Joe u think theyd want an elite line to protect him. Defensive line and backs seem lost, how do receivers end up so open and how are running backs running through the line untouched
Lou and his defense paved the way for our Superbowl run and the only playoff wins I have seen in my lifetime. Personally I'll always appreciate him and I think as a fanbase we should give him his flowers. It was time to move on but thank you Lou!
great players made a bad system look good for a single season. That's not justifiable to keep him. You're on some Marvin Lewis shit rn
@@SharpPlays Read it again lol
Well said
Big mistake by the Bengals. This team only went where the defense took them and Anarumo was maybe the only DC in the league who could challenge the Chiefs every game they played. Then they took all of Anarumo's player. Gave him junk and then fired him. Now the team wants to pay the same people that have missed the playoffs the last 2 years in a row to max contracts. This is not how you run a legitimate franchise.
@@SharpPlays I've seen lesser players make worse situations look better.
Frank Pollack getting fired is a great birthday gift 😊.
Happy Birthday!
Agree
Finally damn he's been terrible and get Volson's ass outta there too
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
That was long overdue
the loyalty this organization held throughout the season to Sam Hubbard and Geno Stone killed them this season. It's no coincidence that the moment Hubbard went down and we started playing our young talent, the defense transformed to what we were all hoping for. unfortunately it was too late
💯
I agree
that part!!!💯noticed how when jordan battle was the starting strong safety over vonn bell after the bye week, the defense noticeably played better other than the 1st game against the steelers? it wasn't lack of any talent on defense, the talent is there. they just weren't developing the younger defensive players properly.
@TripleG12398 the first game against the Steelers was on the LB group. They literally gave up 20 8-10 yard completions right in front of them
@TripleG12398 Marion Hobby wasn't developing any defensive lineman we drafted, so he had to go. Honestly, Hobby, Pollack had to go more so than Lou.
Lou being the scapegoat for Tobin is laughable. The defensive personnel in the secondary let the bengals down this year, not the coordination. We need better secondary play.
The front office let the defense down letting talent walk...Lou is just the face of the deeper problem. He's a Superbowl caliber coordinator. He will find a good job elsewhere I'm sure of it
It took him until it was to late to play the young guys
They certainly needed more talent on defense, but most of the Bengals cap is going to be headed to the offensive side of the ball. I think Tobin probably hedged his bets in case a deal got done with Chase over the summer. So as the DC you’ve got to develop your young draft picks. Going forward the Bengals will probably follow the usual NFL model. The QB gets the huge contact, then WR1 and maybe WR2, defensive end, left tackle and cover corner, every other position you’ve got to make do with younger guys or cheaper guys. Either way you’ll have to develop them.
Truth
Exactly
This puts taylor on the hot seat. I wouldnt wanna start 0-2 next year if i were him
“Naaaa” - Mike brown
@@williwilliams5238Well said.
Well no one wants that obviously - players, coaches, fans.
I heard the firings we all Zac Taylor's call... so I don't think he's on the hot seat
As a chiefs fan I would be more worried about the bengals if they got a better coach than Zac, just my 2 cents but I will admit I do not watch every bengals game.
Been wanting pollack fired for YEARS…. Lou idk man….
Me too go Chiefs
I'm honestly (and really glad) perplexed how Burrow didn't get injured again this year. We gotta do a better job protecting him
according to PFF, he was pressured more than any other quarterback in the NFL and he wasn't even sacked the most this season.
@TripleG12398
True but Joe needs to REALLY needs to embrace running the ball more... not just efficiently and not just for a couple big runs.... but running the ball more because Burrow admitted that throwing the ball too much (50 times) is how he likes to play a few weeks ago
Remember when its was a struggle for Burrow to learn how to throw it faster and do more quick game... when Burrow only wanted to be a big game hunter but Joe made the adjustments against his own tendencies
Need Joe to continue to make adjustments bc otherwise the NFL and refs will allow him to get hurt again... both Steelers defenders could have rolled off Joe and especially the defender that was on the top... but they didn't even call a penalty which puts defenses & Burrow on notice that they will allow it. Its bs that it wasn't penalized but Joe needs to switch his game up some more to protect himself by throwing less (which also helps his OL protect him too)
@@bengalsfandom623 true..........they should throw in more read options in their running game. no teams actually view burrow as a threat in the ground game but we have seen that he has plenty of mobility in him. if the bengals do that, it could open up for more explosive plays in both running and passing the ball because it can definitely catch the defense off guard.
@@bengalsfandom623exactly! When heyward and company were getting off burrow one pushed off him and the other kneed him in the back of the head.
Troy Aiken said something during the game I didn't know about Burrow. He said Burrow wants 5 options when passing. Most teams have 4 and keep a TE or RB to help block. This would lead to more sacks.
Taking Carman over Humphrey is an all time blunder that probably cost us 2 super bowls.
@@handsomejamie7279 duke tobin doing
They fired the only DC who was able to stop Mahomes…
And Josh Allen for that matter
Tru dat!
Mike Brown! Mike Brown! Mike Brown!
Didn't Todd Bowles stop Mahomes in the SB when he was the Bucs DC? Who do you think will be the replacement?
Bengals dont stop anyone,they stop themselves.
Finally Pollack 🎉
You’re blaming Anarumo for personnel decisions as if he was the GM…he’s not responsible for letting Jessie Bates walk, letting DJ Reader walk, missing on draft picks, and failing in free agency.
James takes are as bad as he looks
@@ChewTunes couldnt agree more
But you can blame him for starting older vets who clearly weren't playing well, over younger and hungrier players...and the last 4 games proved it.
Have you been watching the Falcons games this year? Bates is getting torched every week, dude's overrated.
@@Jason-Austin interesting. What is his rank for safety these past couple of years?
That black helmet in the background…with the orange stripes!!!🙌🏽 We need to see that this 2025 season…PLEASE!!!
We need to fire Duke Tobin. He is absolute garbage at building a team. Look at how aggressive the Eagles always are in free agency and in the draft. And we also need to fire Zac Taylor. His in game management, play calling, and starts to the season are awful. Burrow is already 28. Let’s not waste his career.
Not excusing Tobin, but comparing his "control" over FA moves to what the GM of the Eagles is allowed to do, is apples/oranges. Duke has to deal with mikeyboy & katiegirl's "limits," he doesn't just get to wheel & deal as he sees fit like real NFL GMs are allowed & expected to do. Duke, like all else on the team, is a symptom of the problem but not the underlying problem
When is Tobin being fired? He’s the one responsible for the lack of talent on defense.
This is where I am.
Not happening. In fact, I read that Mike Brown is going to legally adopt Tobin.
Not a lack of talent, the inability to develop the young guys. You can't live out of FA.
Tobin is too in love with Michigan players
You can say that but I think there is juice to squeeze in what we have, if we signed one of those NT in the offseason we invited the balance of the offense looks a lot different
I'd let Joseph Ossai walk in a heartbeat. Ossai's silly late hit on Mahomes in the 2022 AFC Championship game possibly cost the Bengals a Super Bowl appearance and win.
One bad accidentally flag against an above average player should not cut him
@@TJIRISH44 I don't give a crap about that. He's a pretty decent player. He had a lot of sacks as of late
Any coach in the country can win 9 games with Burrow and Chase. What's so special about Zac that he gets a pass for September, October, and November
Zac should be first out. Stinks
Zac is an offense guy. The offense wasn’t really the problem here
@@buckyplayz1919but he is the one responsible for the crap starts the past 3 years! He should have been the one packing for a new job.
@@buckyplayz1919 Zac is the HEAD COACH. He needs to be one and look after both sides. Being an Offense guy, he sure doesn’t help burrow out any. Always has burrow line up in shotgun, runs the ball on first down, then hope burrow and chase bails him out after calling stupid plays.
LOU AND HOBBY ARE WAAAAAAY BETTER COACHES THAN ZACHARY TAYLOR!!!!!
This was the scapegoat. We let a lot of great defensive players leave and that cost Lou his job. It's not really his fault.
Absolutely correct. Doesn't help when the only play maker you have is Trey Hendrickson
Well said 👏 👌🏼
@@dannymittenslol lou never adjusted to any schemes buddy, he’s a good coach we just need a refresh.
Should of been Zac
I agree
I agree with those have mentioned it's amazing Lou was being considered for head coaching jobs a couple of years ago.
Life changes quickly.
Zac stats
Taylor stats
46-52-1
17-36 in 1 score games
1-11 over 1st 2 weeks of a season
I was expecting something to happen I wasn't sure if it was gonna be Zach or who, I must say Lou will be missed, he has served the Bengals good! This year was a mix of things not entirely in his control, but his track record here speaks for him. I truly wish him success wherever he lands next.
Thanks for the content and be safe out there!
If you caught Tobin after the combines, he commented, we give these coaches good young athletes, they have to develop them. After this season, Lou's reluctance to use these draft picks sealed the deal.
You’re one of the few commenters with some sense of
💯
So sad to see Lou go. But I must say I am very happy to see moves being made. Next year baby 😢
Ok with the firings, but it’s still mostly on the front office
AND DUKE JUST HIDING BEHIND THE STAGE CURTANS!!!!
Let’s fucking go 💪🏻 they shocked me and actually did something instead of sitting around waiting for shit to magically change
Thanks for getting us this hot off the plate, James!!
Jenkins and MCkinley Jackson has developed nicely over the past 5 or 6 weeks. Keep developing boys!
Bring Big Willie Anderson as the offensive line coach
For those complaining that the Bengals shouldn’t had fired Lou, are just delusional. Out of his 6 years as DC for the Bengals he only produced 1 year with a defense rating above #10.
2019 - #25
2020 - #22
2021 - #17 (Super Bowl)
2022 - #6 (AFCN Championship)
2023 - #17
2024 - #25
Was literally looking for this video lmao
Joe burrow is saving Zac ass he’s a terrible coach
Zac knows who to suck up to
He owe him a 500k gift if you ask me. We are all MORE THAN TIRED OF ZACK TERRIBLE PLAY CALLING
Agreed you have to go out and get a real OC and tell Zac your not calling plays anymore....period!
The Bengals had statistically the best QB, best WR and best defensive player in the league in 2024 and FAILED to make the playoffs. How the hell does Zac Taylor still have a job?
I would like to know why the DB coaches haven’t been fired
FOR REAL. SMDH.
Great start! Love it.
Someone had to pay the price for incompetent management!!
As a FORMER season ticket holder (53 years worth), I would agree that the Bengals ownership/management is THE WORST in all of professional sports. Ever since Paul Brown went to "football heaven," this Bengals franchise has been a train wreck. I am sure Mike Brown is a lovely man but he is PATHETIC at running an NFL franchise. Every time I am reminded of how many NFL teams have attained MULTIPLE Super Bowl rings, while we have none, I want to puke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤮
It's the American Way
@@JMK-vo8pv
12 teams have never won a superbowl (Bills, Vikings, Falcons)
4 teams have never played in the superbowl (Lions, Texans)
5 teams have won 1 superbowl (Eagles, Seahawks, Saints)
Joe is single handed saving Zac from being fired 😂
💯
Mike brown saves Zac’s job. How soon we forget the Marvin Lewis era.
Making it to the Superbowl when we did basically granted him job security for like a decade. Pretty unfortunate tbh.
@@dannythedopest8185 yes, sir
Facts
Lou’s issue is not willing to play the younger players. And not willing to keep playing different schemes depending on who they play.
Sadly he got the guys HE wanted in the draft and the team signed guys that were awful for him. Nobody got better and the team got worse.
facts
That's absolute nonsense. Lou's fingerprints in both post season runs was his ability to adapt the game in real time. You don't know what you're talking about.
They fired one of the best defensive coordinators in the game. He did the most with the limited talent he had.
It depended entirely on the position. He was not in the habit of swapping out safeties for example. That's why Dax didn't get a lot of snaps his first year.
DJ Reader was the biggest loss to our team in 10 years
I would love to see Vrabel come in as DC but he's most likely only going to go somewhere as a HC. Hire someone who can manage the clock for Zac because he sure as hell can't.
Get rid of problem, problem solved.
Mike Brown wouldn't pay him either. He's so cheap.
Saleh or Allen.
they should get robert saleh. notice how josh allen and bills was struggling with the jets defense and once robert saleh got fired, the bills offense didn't struggle that much against the jets anymore.
@TripleG12398 Can we get him for $1.75 per game, cos I think that's what Mike Brown is looking to pay.
Definitely feel that ownership hamstrung the Defense by not paying folks, but you still have to coach the players you have. The lack of tackling is squarely on the coaching staff. Let's also not forget Trae Waynes. Very happy to finally see Frank Pollack go.. Burrow has been sacked 196 times in 69 games. You can't do that to the Franchise.
Pollack was absolutely awful for our schemes and developing OL. He had so many draft misses and horrific OL play. Lou is a tougher decision as our personnel was very young (and bad quite frankly) this season against good teams. However, it did feel like his message seemed to get lost this year - felt like players either weren’t listening to him anymore or lost respect for his gameplans. So many awful mental mistakes in every game - just felt like we need a new voice at DC, can’t give up 40 pts a game
this will continue to be a trainwreck as long as Zac is here. This will be a blessing in disguise for Lou as he can start fresh somewhere else.
The march of the scapegoats, this is the beginning of the end for Zac Taylor. The Bengals being to cheap to pay Zac Taylor to sit on the couch is the only reason he still has a job. We have 2 more years of Zac's ineptitude. Hopefully JoeyB can survive.
I think you’re right. He’ll be gone in 8 years.
Finally Pollack is gone. Let's see what someone else can do!
Yes!
They need to get rid of Zak Taylor!
Robert Salah is available
What about Zac he needs to go too
Zac is offensive guy and quarterback guy based off that id say he's still riding Joe and the 2021 season for another year this is probably his last shot too
Next we need to get a new Offensive Coordinator and get rid of Volson, Cappa, and Hubbard.
Why? There’s nothing wrong with your offense right? Just defense?
@@FunDadHubbyo line was dog shit
@@FunDadHubby the offensive line (especially the interior offensive line) is still a problem. the offense has actually been succeeding in spite of how bad the offensive line has played. if the o-line played a lot better, the bengals offense would be best in the NFL.
@TripleG12398 so maybe an OL coach could be the safer/cheaper route then?
Prompt housekeeping is a deviation from Bengals norms. Unsure if it's refreshing or concerning.
Fans: DO SOMETHING FFS!
Front office: ok, here...
Fans: WAIT NOT LIKE THAT!
@@socrazybmxI'm just saying, it's foreign territory.
Great, well reasoned report James. Love the black helmet with orange stripes. Is it strictly a helmet? A bank?
Why did they let reader and bates go who in the front office got fired?
That's the question: Who is responsible in the front office for contract negotiations? The drama caused by contract negotiations this past season was irresponsible and effected team morale. This person should go.
…..and Mixon, who is only going to the Pro Bowl.
Yes forgot about Mixon
Let the horse shit about Jesse and DJ go ? Let it go …. Bates got his bag w his agent and the falcons ain’t going nowhere except smoking crack. DJ is a role player not the main or premier defensive player for the lions.
These firings are bad ass and awesome I applaud the balls finally to do it
These are exactly the ppl who needed to go
@@briansmith3367 Reader was a decent NT, but what's the obsession with Jessie Bates?
Have you been watching the Falcons? Bates is getting cooked, he's overpaid and overrated.
This is exactly what I wanted to happen. We are very close and need to tighten up.
A new defensive approach is definitely what the Bengals need Joe's offense is super bowl contenders line needs work
Taylor should be on this list. He has direct link to at least 2 of our losses IMO.
Typical inept Bengals brass: take away Lou’s best players and signs the wrong players then fire him. I’m sure Lou didn’t want to favor veteran players like the brass’ hometown boy Hubbard. Lou was the best coach on that team.
Gimme Coach Marvin Lewis as DC! The main reason is that he can talk with the FO/Mike Brown and get what he needs for the Defense.
Now get a real front office in place
Also, they need to fire the front office as they aren't paying the players we need and to keep the good ones, like Bates and now Higgins, etc.
Why Not Zak……Root Cause!
💯
💯
I had a lot of hope for the defense starting of the season!!! No-way this team should've missed the playoffs!!! Hopefully this works out!!!
It’s about time they fired Lou and Frank. The offensive line has never been able to run block since Zac has been the head coach, but it’s gotten worse since Frank has taken over the offensive line. As far as lousy Lou goes, his defense is always finished near the bottom he should’ve been fired at least two years ago.
If the only problem was with the personnel decisions and not Lou's coaching, then perhaps they should have fired their personnel director and let Lou coach... But of course they can't do that because Tobin is "practically family" to the Browns. The incompetence of this organization really is on another level. Firing a coach for personnel acquisition issues. Comical.
Zac Taylor should of been on this list as well.
The reason why the Bengals lost all of those close games and we're not prepared for the first part of the season was because of Zach Taylor, not Lou
Taylor gave lou total control of the defense and they sucked beyond bad this year
Zac Taylor needs too go as well
Zac Taylor is the next to go
we lost almost all our games cuz of the defense, comon now.
As a Bengals fan, Lou in his Prime was a bend dont break defense, hoping on opportunistic turnovers to win. You cant depend on those.
At Lou's worst, we are 28-32 def in the league. Time for him to go. He wore the Bengals patch well but we lost an all time season due to this
Bengals need two offensive guards. Kappa is getting beat regularly too.
Indeed. And A Center.
Karras isnt bad, although the guy they drafted this past year Matt Lee is solid and will be the future.
hopefully they get tate ratlegde in the draft to go at right guard. he's good and played with amarius mims in college.
IMO, the - O Line were unable to "get off the ball." They always, always seemed a half step behind the defensive players and I am wondering why.
If jammar chase or trey Hendrickson gets released that team will be my second or third favorite if they both gets released
Pollack should have been fired 4 years ago. All the money spent on the OL and only marginally better.
Going to Miss Lou
I actually think firing Lou was a mistake. He didn’t have any talent to work with this year besides Trey. Frank Pollack and Zack Taylor need to go. When you let Bates and Reader walk out the door and draft terrible players like Myles Murphy and Dax Hill the Defense will regress.
He's a damn good coordinator but this is a production business and he didn't get it done... We need change period... I wish we could get rid of Duke Tobin as well
I think with this move they are basically saying "you have one year, Zac."
I think they also need to realize they may be able to get more impactful players by trading picks rather than using them. Especially in they will be drafting mid to late round.
Zac's game and clock management is atrocious!!!
💯
you can pretty much say that about every coach now.
It’s one thing to fire them , it’s another to find a suitable replacement.
Wish I saw more talk about Duke Tobin in the comments. These coaches needed to go, but Duke is the real problem.
Can we please get a GM to go along with the best QB,WR,Edge rusher in the game! Please! Damn Mike!
Why isn’t Zach Taylor being fired?
Are we blaming coaches for personnel moves or the scouting and contract negotiations? What role and responsibilty does anyone in the Front Office or ownership assume?
The Bengals have a staff of 6 scouts to locate talented players when most teams have around 20 scouts. This is a major problem. Again squeezing pennies and not dealing with the real problem ... understaffing of a critical department.
I don't know why some Bengal fans are upset. Taylor was never going to get fired. They got rid of almost all the Defensive staff. Before 2021 I was never impressed with Lou as a Def Coordinator. Team also got rid of Off Line Coach Frank Pollack who has done a lousy job coaching up the Offense line. I am happy these firings happened. BTW fans posting about Rex Ryan give me a break. Rex Ryan is a talking head bluster on ESPN who talks a better game than he ever coached in the NFL. Stop talking about Rex Ryan.
💯
Everyone blaming the players and injuries for Lou getting fired is only seeing half the picture.
Lou put together a good defense the last five weeks with what you call as backups.
Tell me why it couldn't look that good from week one? He was forced to make changes and not play the stupid zone react scheme he has played for the last two years. There is a thing as being too creative.
Those of you saying Reader and bates leaving are the reason the defense has suffered are only half right. Bates covered up concept deficiencies in Lou's scheme.
Lou has never really ran a good scheme.
He's just had players that covered up some of the glaring issues. It is 100% on Lou that he didn't try and retool things once bates left. He tried to same song and dance for two years.
When his job looked like it was in jeopardy, he played more traditional 4-3, even some 3-4, he played more traditional man and zone concepts. He rotated more speed rush concepts. He adapted the defense for the players on the field. And it is 100% his detriment and his fault he didn't do it sooner.
He has developed no one. He pridefully kept Hubbard in 8 games longer than he should have. He did not make choices proactively, his hand was forced.
There is no defending him. It was time to go. He had one good year his entire tenure and was sub 20 the rest. He's still a good guy, but looking at how things played out, he was too stubborn to not change things.
💯couldn't have said it much better than that
It’s a blessing for Lou. He’s gonna go to a competent organization. We love you, Lou. We’ll be rooting for you.
I feel like the coaches just don't push these guys. They are too easy on the players, but then again it's hard to tell the full story
Why are we not cleaning house??? Unreal
most of the defensive signings especially Bell and Stone got Lou fired 100%
Absolutely no surprise with any of this.
At least they didn't say heck we ended on a 5 game winning streak were ok they figured it out
Cincy needs to draft the best available player not based on need. Rankins should be playing at the league minimal based on the fact he rarely plays more than 8 games/season.
Who are some offensive line coach candidates?
I just have much respect for Coach Lou and the rest of the coaching staff. I do wonder if coach Zack did that in order to save himself. It just doesn't make any sense to think that the firing of coaches can produce better outcomes for our o-line and our defensive secondary. Bullocks.
Great information! And great start to the offseason, they got rid of the D coordinator and offensive line coach
When are they allowed to cut Rankins??
Taylor needs to step up and do better preparing the team at the beginning of the schedule. The last several years they had terrible starts
Knew it was time for Lou to go when he put absolutely no pressure on Lamar at all.
Well respected O-Line coach??🤔
I love Pratt man he plays with his heart on his sleeve you can tell he wants to win
Hot take: Bring back zimmer
Mike Vrabel would be my favorite. Then we have a backup head coach option for if Zac ever gets the boot, we can hire within.
I have watched Lou stick in a soft zone prevent defense like he owed it money. Then, finally, after 3 quarters of our opponents scoring at will, switch to man and finally stop then when it's too late.
I'm glad to see change and maybe someone capable of making adjustments before it's too late to catch up.
Having a quarterback like Joe u think theyd want an elite line to protect him. Defensive line and backs seem lost, how do receivers end up so open and how are running backs running through the line untouched