Bengals Hire Coach Davis Koetter, Son of Former NFL Coach

New assistant wide receivers coach brings coaching pedigree and attention to detail to Cincinnati's talented receiving corps.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have hired Davis Koetter, son of former NFL head coach Dirk Koetter, as their new assistant wide receivers coach. Koetter, a 27-year-old with experience coaching quarterbacks and tight ends, is excited to work with the Bengals' star receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as well as quarterback Joe Burrow, who is also a coach's son. Koetter's coaching background and attention to detail are expected to be valuable assets as he supports lead receivers coach Troy Walters.

Why it matters

The Bengals are looking to build on their recent success and return to the Super Bowl, and adding a young, up-and-coming coach like Davis Koetter to their staff could help them continue to develop their talented receiving corps. Koetter's coaching pedigree and experience working with quarterbacks and other positions should provide a fresh perspective and additional support for the Bengals' passing attack.

The details

Davis Koetter's path to the Bengals included stints as an assistant coach at South Carolina and Texas, where he worked with quarterbacks and tight ends. His familiarity with the Bengals' program grew after the team drafted South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. last year. Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, himself a coach's son, reached out to South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer, who recommended Koetter for the assistant wide receivers role.

  • Koetter was hired by the Bengals in February 2026.
  • He previously served as an assistant coach at South Carolina in 2025.

The players

Davis Koetter

The 27-year-old new assistant wide receivers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, who has coaching experience working with quarterbacks and tight ends at the college level.

Dirk Koetter

Davis Koetter's father, a former NFL head coach and offensive coordinator who is excited to see his son join the Bengals' coaching staff.

Zac Taylor

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, who is also a coach's son and reached out to South Carolina's head coach to learn about Davis Koetter.

Joe Burrow

The Bengals' star quarterback, who is also a coach's son.

Troy Walters

The Bengals' lead wide receivers coach, who Davis Koetter will be assisting.

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What they’re saying

“That went through my head quick, just thinking of the quarterback and the talent level, and how lucky I am to be around great coaches. To be able to have a broad view of coaching different positions, I think that's going to benefit me and my career.”

— Davis Koetter, Assistant Wide Receivers Coach, Cincinnati Bengals (statenews.net)

“Work ethic. Attention to detail. You don't have to be the smartest guy in the room if you work at it with that attention to detail and have a process.”

— Davis Koetter, Assistant Wide Receivers Coach, Cincinnati Bengals (statenews.net)

“This is a great opportunity. Just to be around those players, be around Troy Walters, obviously Zac Taylor. Coaching is learning. You're always learning until you get your chance to be in more of an upfront role. Davis is off to a good start doing that in his career. Grateful and excited at the same time.”

— Dirk Koetter, Former NFL Head Coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to Davis Koetter to help continue the development of their star receivers as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season.

The takeaway

The Bengals have added a young, promising coach in Davis Koetter, who brings a strong coaching pedigree and attention to detail that could prove valuable in elevating their talented receiving corps. Koetter's experience working with quarterbacks and other positions should also provide a fresh perspective to the Bengals' passing attack.