The Cincinnati Bengals introduced new offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher this week, the first major Zac Taylor coaching tree shakeup since the regime change.
A move necessitated by Brian Callahan leaving to coach the Tennessee Titans, Pitcher’s ascension was as predictable as it gets — but big news nonetheless.
While this plan has been in place for a few years now, the shuffle and domino effect of coaching changes under the coordinator position have created plenty of questions heading into the offseason.
As such, here’s a look at some quick thoughts, notes and quotes about the coaching change that will have an impact on Joe Burrow’s offense.
The plan
This was always it. Pitcher had a big say in details like the third-down offense for a reason. It’s also why the team gave him an extension last year in an effort to prevent him from going and taking a coordinator job with another team. On paper, little figures to change, even when it comes to who actually calls the plays during a game.
More on Pitcher's background
When Zac put Pitcher in charge of game management in 2019, that included decisions on challenging plays.
Doug Rosfeld carried and threw the flag, but Pitcher was making the calls.
And they held simulated drills in practice. From my 2019 story: pic.twitter.com/Z8Ze7y3psm— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) January 24, 2024
Not only did Pitcher work on things like installs and the third-down offense, he had direct sway in whether to challenge plays, as noted by Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network.
Zac Taylor's comment
Here’s Taylor on Pitcher’s role in developing the likes of Joe Burrow and Jake Browning: “I’m excited for Dan and his opportunity to increase his role on our staff. He has excelled in his job of helping develop our quarterbacks over the past five years. He has been a top contributor to our scheme and that role will now increase. I look forward to seeing him continue to grow in this new position.”
Joe Burrow's comment
And Burrow, from the team’s official announcement of the move: “Our relationship is as good as it gets. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without him. He’s been preparing for this for years. He takes his job very seriously and does it with a lot of passion.”
Jake Browning's comment
Here’s where the praise for Pitcher is really interesting, with Jake Browning explaining just how rare it is for a coach to rise within the same team:
“He’s grown into being the OC in the same building where he started out as a QC. Sometimes that can be difficult because there’s not many guys left in the building from when he was a quality control guy,” Browning says “But he kept stepping up into these different roles that require players to see you in a different light, whether it’s a QC, or running a position group, or running a whole offense. I think he’s done a good job along the way having a good connection with guys and has a wide range of personalities he can connect with.
“I always felt like no matter what you asked him, he knew the answer, or he would work on getting you the answer. That sounds really simple, but that’s just good communication where you feel like you can walk into a game prepared. I always felt prepared when I was playing for him.”
Pitcher on why he didn't take another job last year
It’s no secret Pitcher chose to stay with the Bengals over taking the coordinator job with Tampa Bay last year. But his recounting of it is noteworthy, per Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com:
_ It’s not the first year Pitcher has been in the mix for an offensive coordinator job. He took himself out of last year’s derby in Tampa Bay and told Bengals.com last month, “It was a decision all about what I believe we have here, how important I felt my role in it was and how valued I feel here by Zac and Cali, the players, and everything. It was just the right thing to do.”
Other reactions
Dan Pitcher was a standout quarterback at Division III Cortland State. I asked him for a self-scouting report once and he said, “short, slow, and smart.”
Those smarts are obviously whenever you hear him talk football. This is a well-deserved promotion and opportunity. https://t.co/VPnRTLPLMr— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) January 25, 2024
Dan Pitcher is the new #Bengals OC — the obvious choice. We got to know the former SUNY Cortland star in this 2022 feature. He has a special relationship with Joe Burrow. https://t.co/ofi0PBM1An pic.twitter.com/Bt6BDSDDWz
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) January 25, 2024
Congratulations, Coach!
The @Bengals are expected to hire former Cortland QB Dan Pitcher as their new Offensive Coordinator.
With 2 NCAA playoff appearances during his time with us at Cortland, we are happy to say that our alum is excelling at the professional level! pic.twitter.com/KmRAXpeWrr
— SUNY Cortland Football (@CortlandFB) January 25, 2024
Dan Pitcher could be a HC in a year if the Bengals' offense in 2024 has the success it did in 2021 & 2022.
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) January 24, 2024
