Cincinnati Bengals History

The Cincinnati Bengals are in their fifty-seventh season, playing their home games at Paycor Stadium, in Cincinnati, Ohio since 2000. The Bengals are led by head coach Zac Taylor since 2019.

Table of Contents

Franchise Award Winners

During their existence, they have had two people win Coach of the Year: Paul Brown, (1970); Marvin Lewis, (2009).

During their careers, multiple players have won awards for the team: Ken Anderson won the Most Valuable Player in 1981, the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 1981, and the Comeback Player of the Year in 1981; Boomer Esiason won the Most Valuable Player in 1988; Jon Kitna won the Comeback Player of the Year in 2003; Carl Pickens won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1992; Eddie Brown won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1985; Joe Burrow won the Comeback Player of the Year in 2021; Ja'Marr Chase won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021.

Cincinnati Bengals by the Decades

1960s

The Cincinnati Bengals' inaugural season was 1968. During the decade, the Bengals had a record of 7-20-1 during the regular season and not a single game in the playoffs. They played their home games at Nippert Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Bengals ranked 8th in the West division with a win percentage of 27%.

1970s

During the decade, the Bengals had a record of 74-70-0 during the regular season and 0-3 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Riverfront Stadium. They won two division titles. The Bengals ranked 2nd in the AFC Central division with a win percentage of 51%.

1980s

During the decade, the Bengals had a record of 81-71-0 during the regular season and 4-3 in the playoffs. In fact, the eighty-one wins represents the most wins in a decade for the Bengals. They played their home games at Riverfront Stadium. They won two division titles. The Bengals ranked 2nd in the AFC Central division with a win percentage of 53%.

1990s

During the decade, the Bengals had a record of 52-108-0 during the regular season and 1-1 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Cinergy Field. They won one division title. The Bengals ranked 6th in the AFC Central division with a win percentage of 32%.

2000s

During the decade, the Bengals had a record of 68-91-1 during the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Paul Brown Stadium. They won two division titles. The Bengals ranked 5th in the AFC Central division with a win percentage of 31% and ranked 3rd in the AFC North division with a win percentage of 46%.

2010s

During the decade, the Bengals had a record of 77-81-2 during the regular season and 0-5 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Paul Brown Stadium. They won two division titles. The Bengals ranked 3rd in the AFC North division with a win percentage of 49%.

2020s

During the decade, the Bengals had a record of 38-35-1 during the regular season and 5-2 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Paycor Stadium. They won two division titles. The Bengals ranked 3rd in the AFC North division with a win percentage of 52%.

Cincinnati Bengals Head Coaching History

Head Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Zac Taylor 2019-2024 40-49-1 45.0% 5-2
Marvin Lewis 2003-2018 131-122-3 51.8% 0-7
Dick LeBeau 2000-2002 12-33-0 26.7% 0-0
Bruce Coslet 1996-2000 21-39-0 35.0% 0-0
David Shula 1992-1996 19-52-0 26.8% 0-0
Sam Wyche 1984-1991 61-66-0 48.0% 3-2
Forrest Gregg 1980-1983 32-25-0 56.1% 2-2
Homer Rice 1978-1979 8-24-0 25.0% 0-0
Bill Johnson 1976-1978 22-22-0 50.0% 0-0
Paul Brown 1968-1975 55-56-1 49.6% 0-3

Franchise history

Franchise history guide

Seasons with a championship win Seasons with a conference championship

Franchise facts