Zac Taylor at a Glance
What is Zac Taylor’s Net Worth and Salary?
Zac Taylor, the current head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, has carved a notable path in the world of American football. This article delves into Zac Taylor’s net worth, career, and personal life, offering a comprehensive look at his journey from a college quarterback to a successful NFL head coach.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 10, 1983, in Norman, Oklahoma, Zac Taylor’s roots in football run deep. His father, Sherwood Taylor, was a former defensive back and team captain for the University of Oklahoma, instilling a love for the game from a young age. Taylor has two sisters, Kathryn and Quincy, and a younger brother named Press. Growing up in Norman, Taylor attended Norman High School, where he excelled as a football player, setting multiple records during his high school career. This early success hinted at the promising career that lay ahead for Taylor in the world of football.
Collegiate Career: From Wake Forest to Nebraska
Taylor’s collegiate journey began with a few unexpected turns. Despite not being recruited by any Division I colleges initially, he signed with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in 2002. After redshirting his first year and serving as a backup, Taylor transferred to Butler Community College in Kansas. His performance at Butler was immediately impactful, leading the team to the NJCAA championship game and earning second-team NJCAA All-American honors. This success paved the way for his recruitment by the University of Nebraska for the 2004-05 season.
At Nebraska, Taylor quickly proved his capabilities, throwing for a school record of 431 yards in a game against Iowa State. Although his performance was inconsistent at times, he still set a school record for passing yards in a single season with 2,653 yards. His final year in 2006 was marked by further success, leading the Cornhuskers to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game. During that season, he threw for 2,789 yards and 24 touchdowns, earning him the title of Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. This recognition solidified his status as a top quarterback prospect.
Professional Playing Career
Following his successful collegiate career, Taylor went undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but was soon released. Subsequently, he moved to Canada to play for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he spent the season on the team’s practice roster. His professional playing career was relatively short, but it provided him with valuable experience that would later inform his coaching strategies.
The Start of Zac Taylor’s Coaching Career
Taylor transitioned to coaching in 2012, starting as an assistant quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins. Before this, he had been an assistant coach at Texas A&M. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in late 2015, he was promoted to the Dolphins’ interim offensive coordinator. During his time with the Dolphins, Taylor played a significant role in the development of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who became only the second Dolphins quarterback to achieve multiple 3,000-yard seasons.
In 2016, Taylor became the offensive coordinator for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats, where he was highly regarded as a rising star in the coaching world. In 2017, he joined the Los Angeles Rams as an assistant wide receivers coach and was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2018. These roles provided him with further opportunities to hone his coaching skills and gain experience within a successful NFL organization, preparing him for his eventual role as a head coach.
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals: Head Coach Tenure and Super Bowl Run
In early 2019, Zac Taylor was hired as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. His initial seasons were challenging, with the team enduring a historically poor start, losing 13 consecutive games. Taylor secured his first win as coach in a 22-6 victory over the New York Jets. The Bengals finished the season with a 2-14 record. The 2020 season showed some improvement, partly due to the addition of Joe Burrow as the starting quarterback, along with the subsequent performance of Ryan Finley. However, the Bengals finished with a 4-11-1 record, marking the third consecutive season of finishing last in the AFC North.
Taylor’s third season with the Bengals marked a significant turning point. With Joe Burrow returning from injury, the team achieved its first winning season since 2015. The Bengals secured the AFC North division title by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs. Taylor then led the team to their first playoff win in 31 years against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bengals advanced to their first AFC Championship Game since 1988, where they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime to secure a Super Bowl appearance, also their first since 1988. This remarkable turnaround showcased Taylor’s coaching ability and his ability to build a winning team.
Personal Life
Zac Taylor is married to Sarah Sherman, the daughter of former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Sherman. The couple met in 2005 while attending the University of Nebraska and later reconnected, beginning their relationship. Together, Zac and Sarah Taylor have four children: Brooks, Luke, Emma, and Milly. His personal life is a testament to his ability to balance family and a demanding professional career.