On Tuesday’s episode of Menace 2 Sports, Kris Drew dropped a nugget that should make Bengals fans perk up: Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is rumored to be interested in an NFL head coaching job — and he wants a franchise quarterback to build around. Subscribe to our Newsletter by using the popup or the form below!
If that’s true, Cincinnati should be the first team to pick up the phone.
Because there’s one franchise quarterback Brady knows better than anyone else: Joe Burrow. And the connection doesn’t stop there — Ja’Marr Chase was right there with him when Brady called plays for one of the most explosive offenses in college football history at LSU in 2019. That season, Burrow threw for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns, won the Heisman, and LSU claimed the national title. Brady’s passing concepts revolutionized that team and helped launch Burrow into the No. 1 overall pick conversation.
Now, years later, the stars could align for a reunion in Cincinnati — and frankly, it’s the type of move this franchise desperately needs.
A Franchise in Need of New Life
It’s become increasingly clear that Zac Taylor’s time might be up. The Bengals have struggled to find consistency, creativity, or balance offensively, and their recent collapse has left fans frustrated. The rushing attack has been one of the worst in the league under Taylor — bottom five every year of his tenure.
Meanwhile, Joe Brady’s work in Buffalo tells a different story. Since he took over as offensive coordinator:
- 2023: 5th in rushing
- 2024: 9th
- 2025: 1st
That’s not by accident. Brady helped bring balance to a Bills offense that had long been too dependent on Josh Allen’s arm. He’s proven he can design a scheme that complements a star quarterback while keeping the offense diverse and efficient — exactly what Cincinnati needs.
With Burrow’s injury history and the Bengals’ ongoing struggles on the offensive line, a coach who emphasizes the run game and quick-strike passing could help protect their franchise investment and maximize his prime years.
Why Brady Makes Sense — For Both Sides
Some fans may want a “proven” head coach, but let’s be real — that’s a long shot in Cincinnati. Established coaches aren’t lining up to work under the Bengals’ notoriously tight front office structure, limited scouting resources, or conservative spending habits.
That’s where Joe Brady becomes the perfect fit.
He’s young, hungry, and still has something to prove. He already knows how to get the best out of Burrow and Chase. And from his perspective, this could be an ideal first head coaching opportunity — a familiar environment, with elite talent and a fanbase that’s starving for excitement again.
Brady doesn’t need to build a foundation from scratch. The Bengals already have the pieces — Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. What they need is a fresh voice, a modern offense, and someone who can re-energize the locker room.
Don’t Waste the Window
You only get a few prime years of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase together. The Bengals have already wasted the last two, mired in inconsistency and underperformance.
Joe Brady represents not just a connection to their past, but a vision for the future — one where the Bengals’ offense feels dangerous again.
It’s time to move on from Zac Taylor.
It’s time to give this team new life.
And if Joe Brady truly wants a franchise quarterback, there’s one in Cincinnati waiting for him.
The Bengals need to make the call.
