Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Who will be Bengals next offensive coordinator?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated Jan 23, 2024 9:58 AM ET

The Bengals must say goodbye to OC Brian Callahan, who is being hired as the Titans new head coach. Who will Cincinnati turn to be its next offensive coordinator?

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Bengals search shouldn't take too long as they have an in-house replacement in quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher. The 37-year-old has coached for Cincinnati since 2016 as an offensive assistant (2016-18), assistant quarterbacks coach (2019) and quarterbacks coach (2020-23).

QB Joe Burrow has already said his and Pitcher's relationship is great, which only increases the belief that he'll be the team's next OC.

"I think that's why we mesh so well. In the meeting room and on the sideline, we have a great working relationship," Burrow said ahead of the AFC Championship Game last year. "I couldn't ask for a better group of coaches for my skillset and for what I do."

Here's what Joe Burrow said about Dan Pitcher last year ahead of the AFC Championship Game⬇️ pic.twitter.com/YSilZJRvhx
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) January 23, 2024

However, even if the Bengals are interested in making Pitcher their next offensive coordinator, it still isn't a guarantee. Pitcher reportedly has several OC interviews lined up this week with the Patriots, Raiders and Saints.

Not to say Pitcher wouldn't choose to return to Cincinnati if all four teams offered him a contract. The Bengals certainly give him the best chance to contend for a Super Bowl with Burrow. While New England, Las Vegas and New Orleans all have big questions about the position.

But destination is never the only factor in the NFL and that could play true once again in determining Pitcher's next role.

As for Callahan, a great run has now come to an end. The 39-year-old helped lead Cincinnati to back-to-back AFC title games and a Super Bowl appearance during his time as the team's offensive coordinator.

Many believe he's a big reason for Burrow's growth into one of the top quarterbacks in the league. If that's true, Tennessee should be ecstatic about its future.

There's a good chance that it works out for both the Bengals and Titans as they continue to cement their coaching staff for the 2024 season.

Aaron Becker

Aaron Becker is a Pittsburgh-based sports journalist, primarily covering the NFL and college football. He previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs (2021-22), Pittsburgh Steelers (2019-21) and University of Pittsburgh (2018-19). Becker has a B

More must-reads: