The 2025 Bengals Rosters Thread: Coaches & Players

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Well, that did not take long!

Here I was, preparing for an off-season roster thread, and the FO moved on some coaching changes.

Reportedly, DC Lou Anarumo, OL/run game coordinator coach Frank Pollack, DL coach Marion Hobby, and LB coach James Bettcher have all been let go.

https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-2025-coaching-changes-lou-anarumo/63349373

So I guess I'll add a component to the roster thread, the coaches part. I will start there and then go into a list of the current roster status and FA's. Followed up by our cap situation and analysis. And then a roster analysis/path forward section by position group.

I will try to break it up into manageable bites.

Here goes:

2025 Bengals Rosters: Coaches & Players

I. Current Coaching Roster

https://www.bengals.com/team/coaches-roster/

A. Head Coach & Coordinators
Head Coach: Zach Taylor
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Pitcher
Defensive Coordinator: Open (Lou Anarumo fired)
Chief of Coaching staff: Doug Rosfeld
----------------

B. Offensive Coaches

Run game coordinator/OL: Open (Frank Pollack fired)
Pass game coordinator: Justin Rascati
WR: Troy Walters
TE: James Casey
RB: Justin Hill
QB: Brad Kragthorpe
-----------
Offensive assistant: Jordan Salkin
OL assistant: Detek Frazier
QB assistant: Fredi Knighten
-----------

C. Defensive Coaches

Senior Defensive Assistant: Mark Duffner
DL: Open (Marion Hobby fired)
LB: Open (James Bettcher fired)
Secondary/CBs: Charles Burks
Secondary/Safeties: Jordan Kovacs
------------
Defensive Assistant: Ronnie Regula
Defensive Quality Control: Louie Cioffi
----------

D. Special Teams Coaches

ST Coordinator/Assistant HC: Darrin Simmons
ST Assistant: Ben Jacobs

E. Strength & Conditioning

Head/DIR Player Performance: Joey Boese
Ast STR & COND: Diamond Simmons
Ast STR & COND: Garrett Swanson
=====================

II. Current Player Roster: Signed for 2025 = 44

Offense = 21
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (3): C. Brown; Moss, Milton
WR (5): Chase, Iosivas; C. Jones, I. Williams, Burton
TE (3): D Sample; All, McLachlan
OT (3): O. Brown, Mims, Cochran
G (3): Cappa, Volson; Stueber
C (2): Karras (C/G), Lee (C/T/G)
----------------
Defense = 22
DE (5): Hendrickson, Hubbard; Murphy, C. Johnson, I. Thomas
DT (3): Rankins; Jenkins, Jackson
LB (4): L. Wilson, Pratt; Njongmeta, Heyward
CB (6): CTB, D. Hill; Turner, Newton, Ivey, L Robinson
S (4): Battle, Stone; Anderson, Anthony
---------------
PK: McPherson
P:
LS:
=================

III. Bengals Free Agents: 53/IR

Pos, Player

1. WR2:Tee Higgins
---------
2. DT1: BJ Hill
3. CB3: Mike Hilton
4. TE2/WR4: Mike Gesicki
5. P: Ryan Rehkow
6. LS: Cal Adomitis
-------------
7. RT1: Trent Brown
8. OG3/OT4: Cody Ford
9. DE3: Joseph Ossai
10. LB3: Akeem Davis-Gaither
11. S3: Vonn Bell
12. RB3: Khalil Herbert
------------
13. DE5: Cam Sample
14. TE4: Tanner Hudson
15. DT5: Jay Tufele
16. TE5: Cam Grandy
17. LB4: Joe Bachie
18. OG5/OT6: Jaxson Kirkland
19. PK: Cade York
------------
20. RB4: Trayveon Williams
21. RB5: Chris Evans
22. OG/OT: D'Ante Smith
23. CB7: Marco Williams
--------------

I *THINK* that is everyone. But I have a feeling I forgot a couple.
================

IV. Bengals Free Agents: Practice Squad

1. CB Jalen Davis
2. WR Kendric Pryor
3. OC/OG: Tre Hill
----------
4..QB: Logan Woodside
5. RB: Gary Brightwell
6. WR: Cole Burgess
7. OT: Andrew Coker
8. OG: Tayshawn Manning
9. DE: Raymond Johnson III
10. DT: Dominique Davis
11. CB: Micah Abraham
12. CB: Nate Beooks
13. S: PJ Jules
14. S: Craig Young
15. S: Jaylen Key
--------

Whew! Round 2 will be cap analysis, PFF scores, and position group stuff.

[Fan_in_Kettering]

Can you imagine a defensive line with Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, and Trey Hendrickson?

[Nicomo Cosca]

(01-06-2025, 03:30 PM)Fan_in_Kettering Wrote: Can you imagine a defensive line with Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, and Trey Hendrickson?

Why stop there might as well add Dexter Lawrence.

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

(01-06-2025, 03:32 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: Why stop there might as well add Dexter Lawrence.

If a 1st rounder can get me Lawrence or Garrett or Parsons, I make that trade yesterday. 

But I think it would cost more. 

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

For those wanting help in the draft, here are the PFF scores for Rd1/Rd2/Rd3 DL trenches help last year:

DE:
15th: Latu, Indy: 71.5, 4 sacks, 38 pressures
17th: Turner, Minny: 63.9, 3 sacks, 12 pressures
19th: Verse, Rams: 86.2, 6 sacks, 77 pressures
21st: Robinson, Miami: 70.0, 7 sacks, 56 pressures
27th: Robinson, Arizona: 48.4, 1 sack, 2 pressures
-----------------------
56th: Kneeland, Dallas: 50.8, 0 sacks, 11 pressures
57th: Braswell, Tampa: 61.0, 3 sacks, 19 pressures
-----------
76th: Elliss, Broncos: 55.3, 6 sacks, 20 pressures
93rd: Isaac, Ravens: 66.2, 0 sacks, 0 pressures
94th: Hunt, Eagles: 64.2, 2 sacks, 10 pressures

DT:
16th: Byron Murphy, Sea: 58.2, 1 sack, 21 pressures
-----------
35th: Orhorhoro, Atl, 56.2, 0 sacks, 6 pressures
36th: Newton, Wash: 52.6, 2 sacks, 18 pressures
38th: Sweat, Tenn: 76.2, 2 sacks, 23 pressures
39th: Fiske, Rams: 56.5, 9 sacks, 51 pressures
48th: Smith, Jags, 43.7, 3 sacks, 14 pressures
49th: Jenkins, Bengals: 45.4, 3 sacks, 11 pressures
54th: Hall, Browns: 67.7, 1 sack, 16 pressures
----------------
95th: Carter, Bills: 41.4, 0 sacks, 8 pressures
97th: Jackson, Bengals: 53.0, 1 sack, 7 pressures

[NATI BENGALS]

(01-06-2025, 10:36 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: For those wanting help in the draft, here are the PFF scores for Rd1/Rd2/Rd3 DL trenches help last year:

DE:
15th: Latu, Indy: 71.5, 4 sacks, 38 pressures
17th: Turner, Minny: 63.9, 3 sacks, 12 pressures
19th: Verse, Rams: 86.2, 6 sacks, 77 pressures
21st: Robinson, Miami: 70.0, 7 sacks, 56 pressures
27th: Robinson, Arizona: 48.4, 1 sack, 2 pressures
-----------------------
56th: Kneeland, Dallas: 50.8, 0 sacks, 11 pressures
57th: Braswell, Tampa: 61.0, 3 sacks, 19 pressures
-----------
76th: Elliss, Broncos: 55.3, 6 sacks, 20 pressures
93rd: Isaac, Ravens: 66.2, 0 sacks, 0 pressures
94th: Hunt, Eagles: 64.2, 2 sacks, 10 pressures

DT:
16th: Byron Murphy, Sea: 58.2, 1 sack, 21 pressures
-----------
35th: Orhorhoro, Atl, 56.2, 0 sacks, 6 pressures
36th: Newton, Wash: 52.6, 2 sacks, 18 pressures
38th: Sweat, Tenn: 76.2, 2 sacks, 23 pressures
39th: Fiske, Rams: 56.5, 9 sacks, 51 pressures
48th: Smith, Jags, 43.7, 3 sacks, 14 pressures
49th: Jenkins, Bengals: 45.4, 3 sacks, 11 pressures
54th: Hall, Browns: 67.7, 1 sack, 16 pressures
----------------
95th: Carter, Bills: 41.4, 0 sacks, 8 pressures
97th: Jackson, Bengals: 53.0, 1 sack, 7 pressures

Wow Rams crushed it with Verse and Fiske.

[Bengal Dude]

(01-07-2025, 01:15 AM)NATI BENGALS Wrote: Wow Rams crushed it with Verse and Fiske.

They really did. It was shocking how good they were as rookies.

[*pally*]

The unvested players on the PS contracts expired at the end of the Bengal's season.  These players have been signed to future contracts.  The vets contracts expire at the end of the league year

CB Micah Abraham
HB Gary Brightwell
CB Nate Brooks
WR Cole Burgess
OT Andrew Coker
DE Raymond Johnson III
S PJ Jules
S Jaylen Key
G Tashawn Manning
WR Kendric Pryor
LB Craig Young

[SunsetBengal]

(01-06-2025, 01:58 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: 2025 Bengals Rosters: Coaches & Players

I. Current Coaching Roster

https://www.bengals.com/team/coaches-roster/

A. Head Coach & Coordinators
Head Coach: Zach Taylor
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Pitcher
Defensive Coordinator: Open (Lou Anarumo fired)
Chief of Coaching staff: Doug Rosfeld
----------------

B.  Offensive Coaches

Run game coordinator/OL: Open (Frank Pollack fired)
Pass game coordinator: Justin Rascati
WR: Troy Walters
TE: James Casey
RB: Justin Hill
QB: Brad Kragthorpe
-----------
Offensive assistant: Jordan Salkin
OL assistant: Detek Frazier
QB assistant: Fredi Knighten
-----------

C.  Defensive Coaches

Senior Defensive Assistant: Mark Duffner
DL: Open (Marion Hobby fired)
LB: Open (James Bettcher fired)
Secondary/CBs: Charles Burks
Secondary/Safeties: Jordan Kovacs
------------
Defensive Assistant: Ronnie Regula
Defensive Quality Control: Louie Cioffi
----------

D.  Special Teams Coaches

ST Coordinator/Assistant HC: Darrin Simmons
ST Assistant: Ben Jacobs

E.  Strength & Conditioning

Head/DIR Player Performance: Joey Boese
Ast STR & COND: Diamond Simmons
Ast STR & COND: Garrett Swanson
=====================

Just out of curiosity, what exactly are the duties of those roles?? I mean Offensive Chief of Staff, is he like the offense's President?  And how about this guy tagged with "Defensive Quality Control", I mean how does he get a pass with all of the poor tackling technique displayed this season??

[*pally*]

(01-07-2025, 06:28 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Just out of curiosity, what exactly are the duties of those roles?? I mean Offensive Chief of Staff, is he like the offense's President?  And how about this guy tagged with "Defensive Quality Control", I mean how does he get a pass with all of the poor tackling technique displayed this season??

The "Chief of Staff" is basically an administrative position. He coordinates the coaches' schedules and media appearances. He puts together the scouting reports. He organizes free agent and draft prospect visits.  And ultimately he does anything Zac or the coaches need him to in order to spend more time on actual coaching.   

The Quality Control Coaches are baby coaches still wearing training wheels. They spend a lot of time watching tape and with the scout team.  Their role is to assist any coach on the field as needed.  Brad Kragthorpe started as an offensive quality control coach

[SunsetBengal]

(01-07-2025, 06:40 PM)pally Wrote: The "Chief of Staff" is basically an administrative position. He coordinates the coaches' schedules and media appearances. He puts together the scouting reports. He organizes free agent and draft prospect visits.  And ultimately he does anything Zac or the coaches need him to in order to spend more time on actual coaching.   

The Quality Control Coaches are baby coaches still wearing training wheels. They spend a lot of time watching tape and with the scout team.  Their role is to assist any coach on the field as needed.  Brad Kragthorpe started as an offensive quality control coach

If I were Bengals management, I'd have to let Louie Cioffe go as well. For him not to start ringing the warning bell over the poor tackling technique is a sure fire way to know that he doesn't have what it takes to be a full-time coach. (I know that I'm harping on the lack of tackling execution pretty hard, but honestly it might be part of why Lou lost his job)

[*pally*]

(01-07-2025, 06:49 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: If I were Bengals management, I'd have to let Louie Cioffe go as well. For him not to start ringing the warning bell over the poor tackling technique is a sure fire way to know that he doesn't have what it takes to be a full-time coach. (I know that I'm harping on the lack of tackling execution pretty hard, but honestly it might be part of why Lou lost his job)

He is gone..at least according to the coach's page on Bengals.com

[SunsetBengal]

(01-07-2025, 07:18 PM)pally Wrote: He is gone..at least according to the coach's page on Bengals.com

That makes sense, it just wasn't a newsworthy firing because like you said, Quality Control is more like a coach in training.

[*pally*]

(01-07-2025, 07:28 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: That makes sense, it just wasn't a newsworthy firing because like you said, Quality Control is more like a coach in training.

Quality control guys usually only work on one year contracts so its likely he wasn't fired just not retained

[SunsetBengal]

(01-07-2025, 07:37 PM)pally Wrote: Quality control guys usually only work on one year contracts so its likely he wasn't fired just not retained

Fair enough, I just wanted to lump as many people as possible as part of the problem of not addressing the poor tackling as I could.

[*pally*]

(01-07-2025, 07:45 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: Fair enough, I just wanted to lump as many people as possible as part of the problem of not addressing the poor tackling as I could.

I just figured that is why it wasn't announced with the others who are no longer with the team

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Alright, updated to reflect the following moves, already pointed out uptgread by pally & others:


1. Signing of 11 players to Future's Contracts


2. Apparent release of more coaches on the defensive side: Duffner and Cioffi let go.


I will start the process of cap situations and roster evaluation later this week. Hopefully after we have done DC news which could inform on the defensive system, and player fit. 


Regardless, the cap situation and player performances from last year are what they are. Those numbers are not gonna change.
----------------

2025 Bengals Rosters: Coaches & Players

I. Current Coaching Roster

https://www.bengals.com/team/coaches-roster/

A. Head Coach & Coordinators
Head Coach: Zach Taylor
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Pitcher
Defensive Coordinator: Open (Lou Anarumo fired)
Chief of Coaching staff: Doug Rosfeld
----------------

B.  Offensive Coaches

Run game coordinator/OL: Open (Frank Pollack fired)
Pass game coordinator: Justin Rascati
WR: Troy Walters
TE: James Casey
RB: Justin Hill
QB: Brad Kragthorpe
-----------
Offensive assistant: Jordan Salkin
OL assistant: Detek Frazier
QB assistant: Fredi Knighten
-----------

C.  Defensive Coaches

Senior Defensive Assistant: Open (Mark Duffner fired)
DL: Open (Marion Hobby fired)
LB: Open (James Bettcher fired)
Secondary/CBs: Charles Burks
Secondary/Safeties: Jordan Kovacs
------------
Defensive Assistant: Ronnie Regula
Defensive Quality Control: open (Louie Cioffi fired)
----------

D.  Special Teams Coaches

ST Coordinator/Assistant HC: Darrin Simmons
ST Assistant: Ben Jacobs

E.  Strength & Conditioning

Head/DIR Player Performance: Joey Boese
Ast STR & COND: Diamond Simmons
Ast STR & COND: Garrett Swanson

 https://www.bengals.com/team/coaches-roster/
=====================

II.  Current Player Roster: Signed for 2025 = 44

Offense = 21
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (3): C. Brown; Moss, Milton
WR (5): Chase, Iosivas; C. Jones, I. Williams, Burton
TE (3): D  Sample; All, McLachlan
OT (3): O. Brown, Mims, Cochran
G (3): Cappa, Volson; Stueber
C (2): Karras (C/G), Lee (C/T/G)
----------------
Defense = 22
DE (5): Hendrickson, Hubbard; Murphy, C. Johnson, I. Thomas
DT (3): Rankins; Jenkins, Jackson
LB (4): L. Wilson, Pratt; Njongmeta, Heyward
CB (6): CTB, D. Hill; Turner, Newton, Ivey, L  Robinson
S (4): Battle, Stone; Anderson, Anthony
---------------
PK: McPherson
P:
LS:
=================

III. Signed to Future's Contracts = 11 


These guys do technically take up roster spaces and cap space at the moment. But effectively  they do not, as none of them have any Dead Cap hit if released. These are camp bodies, practice squad types with perhaps a dark horse candidate to make the 53 or two. 

But it does give one a better idea if how much space we'd have eith a full toster i stead of only 44.


1. RB Gary Brightwell 
2. WR Kendric Pryor 
3. WR Cole Burgess 
4. OT Andrew Coker 
5. OG Tayshawn Manning 
6. DE Raymond Johnson III 
7. LB Craig Young 
8. CB Micah Abraham 
9. CB Nate Brooks 
10. S PJ Jules 
11. S Jaylen Key


https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-11-players-to-reserve-future-contracts-bengals-roster-update

IV.  Bengals Free Agents: 53/IR

Pos, Player

1. WR2:Tee Higgins
---------
2. DT1: BJ Hill
3. CB3: Mike Hilton
4. TE2/WR4: Mike Gesicki
5. P: Ryan Rehkow (ERFA)
6. LS: Cal Adomitis (RFA)
-------------
7. RT1: Trent Brown
8. OG3/OT4: Cody Ford
9. DE3: Joseph Ossai
10. LB3: Akeem Davis-Gaither
11. S3: Vonn Bell
12. RB3: Khalil Herbert
------------
13. DE5: Cam Sample
14. TE4: Tanner Hudson
15. DT5: Jay Tufele
16. TE5: Cam Grandy (ERFA)
17. LB4: Joe Bachie
18. OG5/OT6: Jaxson Kirkland (ERFA)
19. PK: Cade York (RFA)
------------
20. RB4: Trayveon Williams
21. RB5: Chris Evans
22. OG/OT: D'Ante Smith
23. CB7: Marco Williams
--------------

I *THINK* that is everyone. But I have a feeling I forgot a couple.
================

IV. Bengals Free Agents: Practice Squad = 4

1. CB Jalen Davis
2. OC/OG: Tre Hil
3. QB: Logan Woodside
4. DT: Dominique Davis
------------

Whew! Round 2 will be cap analysis, PFF scores, and position group stuff.

[*Wyche'sWarrior*]

(01-07-2025, 01:15 AM)NATI BENGALS Wrote: Wow Rams crushed it with Verse and Fiske.

Losing several players like that is why the Seminoles fell off the cliff. I wanted one or the other of those two badly this past draft. Getting both was a home run for LA.

[*Wyche'sWarrior*]

(01-07-2025, 02:20 AM)Bengal Dude Wrote: They really did. It was shocking how good they were as rookies.

Not for FSU fans!

[Isaac Curtis: The Real #85]

Updated to include: 


1) Hiring of Peters as OL coach and McCarthy as Assistant OL Coach. I hope 2 heads are better than 1. 


2) Pittsburgh signing DT Dominique Davis to a Future's contract. 


https://www.cincyjungle.com/2025/1/20/24347886/scott-peters-michael-mccarthy-bengals-offensive-line-coach-patriots


IDK beans about other available OL coaches. I do know NE was one of the 2-3 worse than us. But I also know Peters worked under Callahan in TN. So, we will see.
----------------

2025 Bengals Rosters: Coaches & Players

I. Current Coaching Roster

https://www.bengals.com/team/coaches-roster/

A. Head Coach & Coordinators
Head Coach: Zach Taylor
Offensive Coordinator: Dan Pitcher
Defensive Coordinator: Open (Lou Anarumo fired)
Chief of Coaching staff: Doug Rosfeld
----------------

B.  Offensive Coaches
Pass game coordinator: Justin Rascati
OL: Scott Peters  
WR: Troy Walters
TE: James Casey
RB: Justin Hill
QB: Brad Kragthorpe
-----------
Offensive assistant: Jordan Salkin
OL assistant: Michael McCarthy
QB assistant: Fredi Knighten
-----------

C.  Defensive Coaches
Senior Defensive Assistant: Open (Mark Duffner fired)
DL: Open (Marion Hobby fired)
LB: Open (James Bettcher fired)
Secondary/CBs: Charles Burks
Secondary/Safeties: Jordan Kovacs
------------
Defensive Assistant: Ronnie Regula
Defensive Quality Control: open (Louie Cioffi fired)
----------

D.  Special Teams Coaches
ST Coordinator/Assistant HC: Darrin Simmons
ST Assistant: Ben Jacobs

E.  Strength & Conditioning
Head/DIR Player Performance: Joey Boese
Ast STR & COND: Diamond Simmons
Ast STR & COND: Garrett Swanson

 https://www.bengals.com/team/coaches-roster/
=====================

II.  Current Player Roster: Signed for 2025 = 44

Offense = 21
QB (2): Burrow; Browning
RB (3): C. Brown; Moss, Milton
WR (5): Chase, Iosivas; C. Jones, I. Williams, Burton
TE (3): D  Sample; All, McLachlan
OT (3): O. Brown, Mims, Cochran
G (3): Cappa, Volson; Stueber
C (2): Karras (C/G), Lee (C/T/G)
----------------
Defense = 22
DE (5): Hendrickson, Hubbard; Murphy, C. Johnson, I. Thomas
DT (3): Rankins; Jenkins, Jackson
LB (4): L. Wilson, Pratt; Njongmeta, Heyward
CB (6): CTB, D. Hill; Turner, Newton, Ivey, L  Robinson
S (4): Battle, Stone; Anderson, Anthony
---------------
PK: McPherson
P:
LS:
=================

III. Signed to Future's Contracts = 11 

These guys do technically take up roster spaces and cap space at the moment. But effectively  they do not, as none of them have any Dead Cap hit if released. These are camp bodies, practice squad types with perhaps a dark horse candidate to make the 53 or two. 

But it does give one a better idea if how much space we'd have eith a full toster i stead of only 44.

1. RB Gary Brightwell 
2. WR Kendric Pryor 
3. WR Cole Burgess 
4. OT Andrew Coker 
5. OG Tayshawn Manning 
6. DE Raymond Johnson III 
7. LB Craig Young 
8. CB Micah Abraham
9. CB Nate Brooks 
10. S PJ Jules 
11. S Jaylen Key

https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-11-players-to-reserve-future-contracts-bengals-roster-update

IV.  Bengals Free Agents: 53/IR

Pos, Player

1. WR2:Tee Higgins
---------
2. DT1: BJ Hill
3. CB3: Mike Hilton
4. TE2/WR4: Mike Gesicki
5. P: Ryan Rehkow (ERFA)
6. LS: Cal Adomitis (RFA)
-------------
7. RT1: Trent Brown
8. OG3/OT4: Cody Ford
9. DE3: Joseph Ossai
10. LB3: Akeem Davis-Gaither
11. S3: Vonn Bell
12. RB3: Khalil Herbert
------------
13. DE5: Cam Sample
14. TE4: Tanner Hudson
15. DT5: Jay Tufele
16. TE5: Cam Grandy (ERFA)
17. LB4: Joe Bachie
18. OG5/OT6: Jaxson Kirkland (ERFA)
19. PK: Cade York (RFA)
------------
20. RB4: Trayveon Williams
21. RB5: Chris Evans
22. OG/OT: D'Ante Smith
23. CB7: Marco Williams
-------------
24. CB Jalen Davis (PS)
25. OC/OG: Tre Hil (PS)
26. QB: Logan Woodside (PS)
------------

IV.  Bengals FA's, Signed elsewhere  
1. DT: Dominique Davis (PS), Pitt Future's contract
------------

Position by position roster analysis coming soon. Cap is still conjecture as we don't have a number yet. $265-$275 mil is the range + $6 mil in rollover.