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It is official! The Bengals have finalized a deal with Zac Taylor to make him their next head coach.
This has been something that the public has “known” for a while, but it couldn’t become officially official until after the Rams had played their last game of the season. It just so happened that Los Angeles made it to the Super Bowl.
But now, a new era is finally under way in Cincinnati as this is the first head coach hiring since Marvin Lewis was hired back in 2003.
It was a long 16-year tenure that was full of good times and bad times, but now it’s time for Zac Taylor to take the reins and lead this organization to success.
There have been many different reactions across Twitter from media, players, and fans, let’s check out a few of them:
Just spoke to Bengals Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz. He just met with Zac Taylor at PBS. He told me he's very excited about the hire, adding he's a young coach but the current players should be excited too. @WLWT #Bengals pic.twitter.com/GniAse2DPX
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) February 4, 2019
One of the most respected Bengals’ of all time, Anthony Muñoz, approves of the hire.
Text from a veteran player just now about Zac Taylor,
— Elise Jesse (@Elise_JesseWLWT) February 4, 2019
“Excited about the fresh start, looking forward to seeing what new innovative ideas he has. Looking forward to seeing who he hires as our new defense coaches so that I can start my offseason officially knowing the plan.”
Dave Lapham on Zac Taylor's interview with #Bengals: "He blew them away. Blew. Them. Away."
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) February 4, 2019
Said Taylor had a clear vision of what he wants the culture of his team to feel like.
#Bengals vs. Dolphins will be battle of rookie head coaches, as will Bengals vs. Cardinals.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) February 4, 2019
We'll find out dates and times for all games in April. https://t.co/J3kfd774Un
Text from Sam Hubbard on Zac Taylor:
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) February 4, 2019
“I’m excited. Can’t wait to get to work.” #Bengals @FOX19
Let’s get it coach let’s win some games pic.twitter.com/2r2432ULQg
— WJ lll (@fantastik_willo) February 5, 2019
A new coach is always exciting, but now it’s time to get ready for the work that comes with improving the team as a whole.
“He’s been around football his whole life. He’s been an accomplished player himself. He knows what a successful locker room looks like as a coach and player.” –Duke Tobin, Dir. of Player Personnel
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) February 4, 2019
Inside the Search for the Bengals 10th Head Coach : https://t.co/WZ7Y5Z1eS7 pic.twitter.com/wgpuABoIaq
Looks like Zac Taylor is installing a new "bro hug" policy for the #bengals and I'm on board! - via @Bengals pic.twitter.com/PIMELxZuQV
— Bryce Anslinger (@BryceAnslinger) February 4, 2019
The news conference introducing Zac Taylor will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) February 4, 2019
Make sure you tune in tomorrow as the Bengals will officially announce Zac Taylor during the press conference at 2 PM EST.
Taylor: “I'm happy & fortunate to join the Cincinnati Bengals as head coach. This is a great organization with good people & a rich history & I'm excited to get started... There's a lot of work to do... We’re going to attack every day with enthusiasm to get this team ready to go”
— Marisa Contipelli (@BengalsMarisa) February 4, 2019
It’s been a whirlwind of a day for new Head Coach Zac Taylor.
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) February 5, 2019
Go behind-the-scenes as he visits his office for the first time.
It’s a #NewDEY for #Bengals football. pic.twitter.com/y8fGBHiPGh