Bengals elevate quarterback coach to offensive coordinator position

The Cincinnati Bengals found their next offensive coordinator without having to look very far.

Dan Pitcher, the quarterbacks coach, was merely promoted by the team.

On Thursday, a day after Brian Callahan departed to accept the position of head coach with the Tennessee Titans, Pitcher received the official job offer.

This past season marked the 37-year-old Pitcher’s seventh with the Cincinnati coaching staff. He was Joe Burrow’s position coach for the last four seasons, having previously worked as an offensive assistant (2016–18) and assistant QBs coach (2019).

“This is the perfect situation. Pitcher remarked, “I have had the benefit of growing up here. It was here that I received my coaching education from some truly excellent individuals. You do not often get the opportunity to advance your career through all those phases in one location.

“And to be employed by excellent people who genuinely care about your success, and who you attempt to add value for in a position such as this. It is quite unique, in my opinion. I have been waiting for this moment my entire life.

In terms of completions, passing yards, touchdown passes, and passer rating, Burrow set team records for a single season. Burrow led the NFL in completion percentage from the beginning of the 2021 regular season to Week 10 of this one. He also ranked third in yards passing, touchdown passes, and passer rating.

Burrow received his first-ever Pro Bowl nomination in 2022 and has been named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week six times.

Burrow declared, “Our connection is as wonderful as it gets.” Without him, I would not be the player I am today. He has spent years getting ready for this. He works extremely hard and passionately at what he does.

Down the stretch, Pitcher collaborated closely with Jake Browning, the backup quarterback who made his first start of the season. From Week 12 to Week 18, Browning was the second-most successful quarterback in the NFL in terms of completion percentage and throwing yards. During his first seven career starts, he became the third quarterback since 1950 to have at least 1,500 yards passing and 10 touchdowns with a completion percentage of at least 70%.

Coach Zac Taylor stated, “He has excelled in his position of helping develop our quarterbacks over the previous five years.” He has made significant contributions to our plan, and he will now play a bigger part. I am excited to watch him develop even more in this new role.