Ja'Marr Chase Sends 'Obvious' Message To Cincinnati's Front Office

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 4:48 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has put the team's front office on notice ahead of the 2025 regular-season finale.

This season has been pretty disappointing for the Bengals. Despite having an explosive offense, they're 6-10 heading into Week 18. Of course, it doesn't help that Joe Burrow missed two months due to a turf toe injury.

While speaking to the media this week, Burrow expressed his frustration over Cincinnati's postseason drought. They haven't been to the playoffs since the 2022 season.

“We don’t want to be in the spot we are in now, so something’s got to change,” Burrow told reporters, via ESPN. “Whether it’s players we have continuing to improve and get better and play championship-caliber football or bringing in guys that will or whatever it may be. Obviously, something has to [change].”

Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) runs during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images© Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.

Chase has a good idea of what needs to change. However, he's not willing to share that information with the public.

"I think some of the things we need to change are pretty obvious," Chase said. "I can't really say or put an emphasis on what needs to be changed because it's not my role, but it's pretty obvious on what issues need to be changed."

Some fans are convinced Chase was throwing shade at Taylor. However, it's far more likely that he's talking about Cincinnati's defense. That unit has given up 29.5 points per game this season, which ranks 31st in the league.

The Bengals hired Al Golden as their defensive coordinator for the 2025 season. He replaced Lou Anarumo, who held that role from 2019-2024.

I asked Ja’Marr Chase what needs to change so the Bengals can be a playoff team again.

He didn’t name anything specifically. However: “It’s pretty obvious.” pic.twitter.com/WemSJk4IVe
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) January 1, 2026

Will the Bengals make a coaching change?

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the Bengals are expected to retain Taylor for the 2026 season.

“Despite a third straight non-playoff season and quarterback Joe Burrow’s recent musings about the future, there are no signs the Bengals are preparing to make major changes,” Rapoport and Pelissero said. “Coach Zac Taylor has two years left on his contract, and all indications are that Taylor should return.”

Maybe the Bengals will consider making yet a defensive coordinator for the second offseason in a row. As of now though, don't expect to see Taylor fired on Black Monday.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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