Legacy: What Could This Super Bowl Mean for Zac Taylor?

In a word? Everything. Zac Taylor is in his second season as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals after serving as the offensive coordinator for Seah McVay the season prior. At 38 years old, Taylor has a chance to add a Super Bowl win to his resume 

Before Mike Tomlin won the Super Bowl in 2008 at 36 years and 11 months,, the record was held by Jon Gruden, who won a Super Bowl at 39 years old. This year, with McVay, who just turned 36 in January, and Taylor, a coach will add their name as either the youngest or second-youngest head coach to ever win the Super Bowl.

It goes far beyond just how old these coaches are. For Taylor, who is not widely regarded as a remarkable coach or an innovative mind like McVay is, it would give him the clout and the recognition as one of the best head coaches in the game today, regardless of age. Taylor has the opportunity to beat his former boss and add a ring to his trophy collection, which is something that has still eluded McVay. 

Zac Taylor would solidify the Bengals in history

The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t won a Super Bowl in 33 years. Taylor has a chance to bring the Bengals all the way back to relevance, connected to a young superstar quarterback in Joe Burrow, with one of the most talented — if not the most talented — young cores of offensive weapons in the NFL. 

There’s no denying the fact that the Bengals are ahead of schedule. This team won only four games last year and was picked by most to finish last in their own division this year. If Taylor is able to bring home this win, the Bengals will be set up very nicely with Burrow on his rookie contract to be able to go all in around him in hopes of continuing their ascension. 

A Super Bowl for Taylor would put him in rare air with some of the most successful young head coaches in NFL history. 

You can find all of Jon Helmkamp’s picks here.