Zac Taylor enters Bengals season opener with poor track record

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 12, 2026, 8:01 PM

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Zac Taylor enters Bengals season opener with poor track record
Summary

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Week 1 matchup this Sunday while looking to improve his career record in season openers. Since taking the role in 2019, Taylor has accumulated a 2-5 record, giving him a.286 winning percentage that ranks among the lowest for NFL coaches with at least five opening games. This history contrasts sharply with Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles, who maintains a 6-2 record in Week 1 games. Tampa Bay enters the contest riding a five-game season-opening winning streak, tied for the longest active run in the league. The Bengals have not secured consecutive Week 1 victories since a three-year stretch from 2014 through 2016. Taylor remains tied with former coach Bruce Coslet for the team's historical mark in season debuts.

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By the Numbers
  • Zac Taylor holds a 2-5 record in season openers as Bengals head coach.
  • Todd Bowles is 6-2 in his career during Week 1 games.
  • The Buccaneers have won five consecutive season openers.
  • The Bengals have not won back-to-back Week 1 games since 2016.
Latest Updates
  • 8:01 PMYahoo SportsBengals’ Zac Taylor carries troubling record into season opener
What they're saying
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Bengals coach Zac Taylor heads into Week 1 against the Buccaneers with a 2-5 record in season openers, one of the NFL’s lowest marks.

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