On today's show, we discuss the possibility of Bengals OC Dan Pitcher leaving and what the Bengals should do if that were to happen. Plus, the Steelers get embarrassed in the postseason once again as Mike Tomlin ties Marvin Lewis for the longest postseason losing streak in NFL history. Also, we take a look at the top names to fill the 8 current NFL head coaching vacancies.

The Cleveland Browns are deep into their search for a new head coach after parting ways with Kevin Stefanski, and Dan Pitcher — the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator — has emerged as a genuine candidate. The Browns have officially requested permission to interview Pitcher for their head coaching vacancy, which indicates they see his offensive experience and ties to Browns GM Andrew Berry as assets worth exploring.

Pitcher, 38, has been with the Bengals since 2016 and has risen through the ranks from offensive assistant to offensive coordinator, working closely with star quarterback Joe Burrow and contributing to one of the top passing offenses in the league during his tenure. His ascent to OC in 2024 was successful statistically, with Cincinnati ranking high in passing yardage and scoring in his first full year in that role.

While the Browns’ interest doesn’t guarantee a departure, it puts Pitcher in the mix against established coaches and other younger offensive minds — including internal Browns candidates and experienced NFL coordinators. Cleveland has already conducted interviews with several potential hires and continues to evaluate a broad slate.

If the Browns do hire Pitcher, it would represent a significant move for him — from a coordinator spot in Cincinnati to an NFL head coach role in Cleveland. It would also affect Bengals staffing, potentially prompting Cincinnati to look internally or externally for his replacement. The situation reflects a broader trend of teams prioritizing young, offensive-minded coaches with quarterback development experience.

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On today's show, Stone gives his biggest takeaways from Duke Tobin's press conference last Friday after the conclusion of the Bengals' season. Also, we discuss all of this weekend's NFL wild card games, including Josh Allen & Brock Purdy's heroic performances.

Cincinnati Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin spoke at length with the media Friday, January 9, 2026, offering a candid review of the team’s struggles and a broad outline of the work ahead in the offseason. Tobin acknowledged the frustration and disappointment that came with a 6–11 record and a third consecutive season out of the playoffs, taking responsibility for the organization’s performance while emphasizing that the team still believes it has a “championship-caliber” roster despite the results.

A central theme of the press conference was the need to improve the defense, particularly the pass rush. The Bengals finished 2025 near the bottom of the league in sacks and points allowed, a point Tobin stressed repeatedly, noting that generating pressure with just four rushers must improve and that the defensive unit requires more talent and leadership. He praised the late-season defensive turnaround under new coaching but acknowledged that the unit overall was not good enough.

Tobin also discussed the team’s offensive identity, stressing that the core offensive talent remains strong, especially when healthy, but that Cincinnati must finish games better. He highlighted losses in close contests and the need to cultivate a “focus, strain and finish” mentality.

On personnel matters, Tobin was cautious on specifics regarding free agency and contract strategy, saying the club is willing to do what’s necessary to secure players who can help win but offering few concrete commitments. He expressed confidence in the current leadership and expressed openness to involving quarterback Joe Burrow in offseason discussions about roster construction.

Fan reaction to the presser was mixed, with some appreciating the candor but many criticizing Tobin for avoiding detailed answers on key questions.

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On today's show, Stone is joined by Keegan Nickoson of Bearcat Journal and they discuss all things Cincinnati Bearcats including Wes Miller's outburst and subsequent apology, UC's shortcomings on the basketball court, Scott Satterfield in the transfer portal and more. Also on the show, we react to Miami's win over Ole Miss and go through our Best Bets Of The Weekend.

Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball head coach Wes Miller publicly apologized after a heated postgame radio outburst this week following a tough 62–60 loss at West Virginia. In his initial remarks during the postgame interview on NewsRadio 700 WLW, Miller pushed back against media and fan criticism, saying things like “I don’t care what people think… Everybody can quit on us… It’s us against the world” in response to questions about his team’s disappointing 8–7 start and late-game struggles in Big 12 play.

The tone and intensity of that interview drew significant attention and mixed reactions on social media and among Bearcats fans, with some critics calling his comments defensive and unbecoming for a head coach.

Recognizing that his emotion spilled over, Miller opened his subsequent weekly radio show with an apology to longtime Cincinnati broadcaster Dan Hoard and co-host Terry Nelson. In that apology he acknowledged that his anger and frustration from the moment got the better of him and emphasized that his outburst was not directed at the hosts or intended to insult them.

Miller’s gesture signaled an effort to smooth over relations with local media and recalibrate the narrative around his leadership during a challenging stretch of the season. While he has stood by his defense of the team’s effort and reiterated his commitment to his players and program, this apology also underscored that, even at the highest levels of college coaching, emotions can run high in the wake of close losses — and that maintaining professional composure remains important when speaking publicly about struggles and criticism.

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On today's show, we roll through all of the Bengals' free agents this offseason and discuss whether Cincinnati should re-sign them or move on. Also, we break down tonight's CFP semifinal matchup between Miami and Ole Miss and Stone gives his NFL postseason predictions.

The Bengals face a pivotal 2026 offseason after finishing 6–11 and missing the playoffs again, placing added emphasis on making smart roster decisions in free agency.

Trey Hendrickson is arguably the biggest free-agent name on Cincinnati’s roster. The veteran edge rusher, who led the NFL in sacks in 2024, is slated to hit unrestricted free agency after a one-year, high-salary deal in 2025 that didn’t include a long-term extension. Teams around the league view him as one of the top pass-rushing free agents available, and the Bengals must decide whether to use the franchise tag (which could cost roughly $36 million), pursue a multi-year deal, or let him test the open market.

Joseph Ossai has emerged as one of Cincinnati’s more intriguing free agents. After returning on a one-year “prove-it” contract in 2025 and matching solid production, Ossai could be a priority for retention. His youth and pass-rush upside make him a logical target for a return if the Bengals value continuity on the defensive front.

On offense, Noah Fant is another unrestricted free agent. The tight end signed a modest one-year deal in 2025 and has contributed as a blocker and occasional receiver. The Bengals could bring him back on a similar short-term arrangement to maintain offensive balance, but he’s also likely to draw interest elsewhere.

Dalton Risner has become a fan favorite on the offensive line after late-season play in 2025. He’s publicly expressed a desire to stay, and retaining him would help stabilize Joe Burrow’s protection.

Cam Taylor-Britt is the most uncertain of this group. The cornerback’s performance declined in 2025, and off-field issues and injury history may suppress his market value, potentially complicating re-signing discussions.

Overall, the Bengals approach 2026 free agency with significant cap space and crucial decisions on whether to retain core contributors or let them walk and reinvest elsewhere.

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On today's show, Stone is joined by Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh and they discuss the Reds' offseason and outlook for 2026 with Terry Francona entering year 2 as the Reds manager. Plus, has Trey Hendrickson played his last down with the Cincinnati Bengals? Cincinnati gets great news with the firing of John Harbaugh + Wes Miller crashes out after loss to West Virginia.

As the Bengals head into the 2026 offseason, the future of elite edge rusher Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati remains one of the organization’s most intriguing and uncertain storylines. Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler and recent NFL sack leader, has been a disruptive force since joining the Bengals and was among the league’s most valuable free agents at the end of the 2025 season.

The central barrier to a long-term return has been contract negotiations. After a contentious holdout and talks that dragged through the 2025 offseason, the Bengals and Hendrickson eventually agreed to a one-year, $30 million deal that lets him hit unrestricted free agency in 2026. That new contract did not include a no-tag clause, giving Cincinnati the option to tender him with the franchise tag next spring — albeit at a high cost.

Most recently, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the relationship between Hendrickson and the Bengals “has likely deteriorated beyond repair,” largely because of the bitter contract negotiations the past year. Fowler suggests that while the Bengals could use the franchise tag to retain him, Hendrickson appears poised to explore opportunities elsewhere in a strong market for pass rushers. A long-term return to Cincinnati now seems unlikely, especially given Hendrickson’s desire for security and the team’s investment in younger edge talent.

Realistically, then, the possibility of Hendrickson returning to the Bengals hinges on one of three outcomes:

Cincinnati uses the franchise tag and he plays another year while negotiating long-term.

Hendrickson and the team agree on a new extension (less likely per the latest intel).

He tests free agency and signs elsewhere.

At this point, Fowler’s update points toward #3 as the most probable scenario — meaning a Hendrickson return to Cincinnati isn’t off the table, but it’s far from likely.

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On today's show, Stone is joined by Ohio State football beat writer Bill Rabinowitz, and they discuss OSU's crushing defeat to Miami and where the Buckeyes go from here. Also, Stone breaks down the top 5 biggest needs for the Bengals this offseason, takeaways from NFL Black Monday and ranks each NFL playoff team going into Wild Card Weekend.

Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown announced that head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin will both return, signaling continuity and confidence in the franchise’s leadership as it looks toward the future. The decision reinforces the organization’s belief in the vision that has guided the Bengals through recent seasons and into consistent contention in the AFC.

Brown praised Taylor for his steady leadership and ability to connect with players, noting that stability at head coach remains a priority for the organization. Since taking over, Taylor has helped modernize the team’s culture, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and resilience. Under his guidance, the Bengals have developed into a perennial playoff contender, highlighted by deep postseason runs and a reputation as one of the conference’s most competitive teams.

Duke Tobin’s return was framed as equally important. Brown emphasized Tobin’s role in building and maintaining the roster through the draft, free agency, and contract negotiations. Tobin has been instrumental in assembling a core of star talent while balancing long-term financial flexibility, a strategy that has allowed Cincinnati to compete with larger-market franchises. His eye for talent and willingness to make bold moves have earned respect across the league.

Brown acknowledged that expectations remain high in Cincinnati and that recent seasons have shown both the promise of the roster and the challenges that come with sustained success. By retaining both Taylor and Tobin, the Bengals are opting for continuity rather than sweeping change, believing that their current leadership group is best positioned to address shortcomings and push the team to the next level.

The announcement sends a clear message to players, fans, and the rest of the NFL: the Bengals trust their plan. With Taylor leading on the sidelines and Tobin shaping the roster, Cincinnati aims to remain a fixture in the AFC playoff picture and continue its pursuit of a championship.

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On today's show, we discuss Cincinnati's loss to the Browns as the 2025 season mercifully comes to an end, plus Mike Brown released a statement officially announcing Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin's return for the 2026 season. Also, we break down the College Football Playoff quarterfinals in what was an all-time choke job for Ohio State.

Yesterday, in what was essentially a meaningless Week 18 matchup for both clubs, the Cincinnati Bengals fell to the Cleveland Browns 20–18 at Paycor Stadium to close out a disappointing 2025 campaign.

Both teams entered the game already eliminated from playoff contention, but Cincinnati still hoped to end on a high note against an AFC North rival. Early on, Cincinnati struggled to put together consistent offense and committed costly errors, including missing two extra-point attempts — mistakes that would loom large in the final score. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s defense made a huge early impact, even scoring on a 97-yard interception return to set the tone.

The defining moment of the game came in the fourth quarter, when Browns defensive end **Myles Garrett not only pressured Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow but set the NFL’s single-season sack record with his 23rd sack. The celebration around that milestone was controversial — Bengals head coach **Zac Taylor angrily protested after officials paused play to honor Garrett’s achievement in a critical late-game moment.

Cincinnati mounted a late comeback, with Joe Burrow leading a quick scoring drive that gave the Bengals an 18–17 lead with under two minutes left. But Cleveland responded, and Shedeur Sanders engineered a clutch drive that set up Andre Szmyt’s 49-yard field goal as time expired to win it for the Browns.

For the Bengals, this loss capped a 6–11 season filled with inconsistency, turnovers, and missed opportunities. With Sunday’s defeat now in the books, Cincinnati will turn its focus to the offseason and making changes to get back into playoff contention in 2026.

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On today's show, we discuss some head-scratching remarks from Al Golden on Geno Stone plus discuss Amarius Mims' year 2 growth as he looks to be a future stud. Also, we preview all 4 CFP quarterfinals matchups, including Ohio State vs. Miami tonight.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden publicly defended safety Geno Stone ahead of the Week 18 game, offering a relatively positive evaluation of the veteran despite widespread criticism of Stone’s play this season. Golden highlighted Stone’s leadership and communication as key factors in the defense’s improved performance over the past eight games, suggesting that Stone has played an important role in helping the unit find its footing of late. Golden credited him with getting the secondary aligned properly and being a stabilizing voice on the field.

Golden explicitly pointed to Stone’s contributions to recent defensive success, saying that much of the late-season improvement can be traced back to the safety’s steady presence. He acknowledged that both he and Stone, along with teammate Jordan Battle, would like to have “one play back here, one play back there,” but maintained that Stone has improved from the previous year and continues to develop. Golden emphasized a positive outlook on Stone’s future, stating he sees a “path forward” for Stone to keep improving with continued coaching.

It’s notable that while Golden praised Stone’s intangibles and leadership, he stopped short of committing to wanting Stone back in 2026, deflecting future-oriented questions by focusing solely on the final game of the season. Stone is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and Golden didn’t directly address plans for next year.

Golden’s comments have drawn mixed reactions, with many fans seeing his praise as coach-speak protecting a struggling player, while others interpret it as a genuine belief in Stone’s value beyond traditional statistical performance.

In short, Golden is publicly backing Geno Stone as a leader and communicator with room to grow, even as broader analysis and fan sentiment remain skeptical.

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