Bengals Offensive Stars Praise Coordinator Dan Pitcher and Improved O-Line

Tee Higgins and Chase Brown highlight the impact of Pitcher's leadership and the O-line's progress in 2025.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:31am

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In a recent interview, Cincinnati Bengals offensive stars Tee Higgins and Chase Brown praised the work of offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, who has drawn head coaching interest this offseason. The players credited Pitcher's approach with shaping the team's offensive identity and also highlighted the significant improvements made by the offensive line, led by center Ted Karras.

Why it matters

The Bengals' offensive success in 2025 was a key factor in their playoff run, and Pitcher's potential departure as a head coaching candidate could have major implications for the team's future. The continued development of the offensive line is also crucial for the Bengals to maintain their offensive firepower.

The details

Both Higgins and Brown praised Pitcher's leadership and communication skills, noting how he helped the offensive line and skill position players get on the same page. Karras, a key free agent signing in 2022, was singled out by Brown for his ability to rally the offensive line and ensure everyone understood their assignments. The improved protection and blocking up front was a major reason for the Bengals' offensive success in the second half of the 2025 season.

  • The Bengals' offensive stars spoke about Pitcher and the O-line ahead of Super Bowl LV in 2026.

The players

Dan Pitcher

The Bengals' offensive coordinator, who has drawn head coaching interest this offseason.

Tee Higgins

A star wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chase Brown

The Bengals' starting running back, who worked closely with the offensive line.

Ted Karras

The Bengals' starting center, who was praised for his leadership and communication skills.

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What they’re saying

“I think Ted (Karras') leadership really showed up in a way that you wouldn't really expect. O-Line and the communication is huge, so I think what we did really well and what Ted did really well, between everybody, was we all knew what we wanted to achieve, whether in the run game, the pass game—whatever ID he was making, whatever run game call he was making, everybody knew what we needed to do to make that play successful.”

— Chase Brown, Running Back

“I think it's great that he's (Dan Pitcher) getting those opportunities (interest as a head coach), he's a great coach, and he deserves everything that's coming his way. It would be great to have him back—he means a lot to this team, and he'd definitely be missed if he moved on, but we'd be happy for him.”

— Chase Brown, Running Back

“Yeah, I agree with everything he (Brown) just said”

— Tee Higgins

What’s next

With many key offensive pieces returning, the Bengals will look to Pitcher to continue engineering a high-powered offense in 2026. However, his potential departure as a head coaching candidate could have major implications for the team's future.

The takeaway

The Bengals' offensive success in 2025 was fueled by the leadership and communication of coordinator Dan Pitcher and the significant improvements made by the offensive line, led by center Ted Karras. Retaining Pitcher and maintaining the O-line's progress will be crucial for the team to build on their playoff run and compete for a championship in 2026.