The Growler Dan Pitcher, Duke Tobin, Bengals' playoff takeaways
Jan 13, 2026
Mo Egger, an ESPN 1530 host and passionate Bengals commentator, shares his insights on the Bengals' recent playoff experiences. He discusses Duke Tobin's press conference, highlighting fans' desire for accountability and deeper evaluations. The conversation shifts to the AFC North dynamics and Fan frustrations over DJ Turner's All-Pro snub. Mo also reflects on the Bengals' missed playoff opportunities and emphasizes the need for offensive strength over defensive reliance. The playful banter about Mike Tomlin's struggles adds an entertaining twist.
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Why First-Time HC Jobs Are Must-Takes
- First-time coordinators like Dan Pitcher usually must take risky HC opportunities because those jobs are rare and pay well for life.
- Passing on a first HC chance can derail a coordinator's career momentum and future opportunities.
Callahan Is The Natural Internal OC Choice
- If Dan Pitcher leaves, Brian Callahan is the obvious internal candidate to step into the Bengals OC role.
- Callahan's continuity with Zach Taylor and knowledge of Joe Burrow make him the smoothest possible transition.
Quarterback Issues Drive Long-Term Mediocrity
- The AFC North coaching carousel shows teams often cling to established coaches despite repeated playoff failures.
- Paul and Dave argue the core issue for teams like Pittsburgh remains quarterback play more than coaching alone.