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Dan Pitcher
Dan Pitcher
Dan Pitcher
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Dan Pitcher (born January 13, 1987) is an American professional football coach who is the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as an assistant coach with the Bengals from 2016 to 2023. Pitcher played college football as a quarterback for Colgate and SUNY Cortland.

Key Information

Early life and education

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Born in Cortland, New York, Pitcher attended Cortland High School before playing as a quarterback at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York from 2006 to 2008. Pitcher then transferred to his hometown college SUNY Cortland, starting from 2009 to 2011.[1][2] His senior season, he was a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, the Division III equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.[3] While at SUNY Cortland, Pitcher earned a bachelor's degree in psychology in 2010 and a master's degree in Sport Management in 2011.

Coaching career

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SUNY Cortland

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After his playing career at SUNY Cortland ended, he joined the Red Dragons coaching staff as their wide receivers coach in 2012.

Indianapolis Colts

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In 2012, Pitcher was hired by the Indianapolis Colts as a scouting assistant. In 2014, he was promoted by the Colts to a pro scout.[4]

Cincinnati Bengals

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In 2016, Pitcher was hired by the Cincinnati Bengals as an offensive assistant under head coach Marvin Lewis, working with the wide receivers. He was shifted to working with the quarterbacks in 2018.

In 2019, Pitcher was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach and game management specialist under head coach Zac Taylor.[5][6]

In 2020, Pitcher was promoted to quarterbacks coach, replacing Alex Van Pelt following his departure to become the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.[7]

On January 29, 2023, Pitcher signed a contract extension with the Bengals.[8]

On January 25, 2024, Pitcher was promoted to offensive coordinator, replacing Brian Callahan following his departure to become the head coach for the Tennessee Titans.[9]

Personal life

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Pitcher and his wife, Marissa, have a son, Oliver.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dan Pitcher

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Dan Pitcher (born January 13, 1987) is an coach who serves as the for the of the (NFL). A native of , Pitcher played as a for and the at Cortland from 2008 to 2011, where he set multiple school records, earned honorable mention honors from D3football.com, and was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2011. He also received a in from SUNY Cortland in 2010 and a in from the same institution in 2011. Pitcher's professional coaching career began in 2012 as the wide receivers coach at SUNY Cortland before he transitioned to the as a assistant with the from 2012 to 2013, followed by a role as a pro scout there from 2014 to 2015. He joined the Bengals' staff in 2016 as an offensive assistant, advancing to assistant wide receivers coach (2016–2017), assistant quarterbacks coach (2018–2019), and quarterbacks coach (2020–2023), during which time the team reached following the 2021 season and the following the 2022 season under his guidance with quarterback . Promoted to in 2024, Pitcher entered his second year in the role during the 2025 season, marking his tenth year overall with the Bengals and contributing to a top-ranked passing offense in his debut year.

Early life and education

High school

Daniel Joseph Pitcher was born on January 13, 1987, in Cortland, New York, to parents Michael and Mary Pitcher, with limited additional public details available about his family, including his one brother. Pitcher grew up in Cortland and attended Cortland High School, graduating in 2005. From an early age, he showed a strong interest in football, frequently drawing up plays and studying the sport in depth. As the quarterback for the school's Purple Tigers, he earned three varsity letters, served as team captain during his junior and senior years, and was coached by Jim Brown. Pitcher received two-time offensive most valuable player honors and established nine school records during his high school tenure. In his senior season, he threw for 1,956 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 211 yards and five scores. His accomplishments included first-team All-League Class A American honors, first-team All-Central New York selection, second-team all-state recognition, and scholar all-state status. He also competed in the 2004 Arcaro Classic all-star game and the New York-New Jersey Governors Bowl, where he threw one touchdown pass. Beyond football, Pitcher lettered in and at Cortland High School and was inducted into the , highlighting his academic achievements alongside his athletic pursuits. After graduation, he pursued at .

College

Dan Pitcher enrolled at in 2005, seeking to compete as a at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level within the . He remained with the Raiders through the 2006 season but did not see game action during his freshman and sophomore years. In the spring of 2008, Pitcher transferred to the State University of New York at Cortland (SUNY Cortland), a Division III program, to find a better opportunity to play . During his college years, he participated in football at both institutions. At SUNY Cortland, Pitcher earned a in in 2010, graduating with a 4.08 grade point average. His academic performance earned him recognition for excellence, including selection to the Academic All-District football team. Pitcher continued his studies at SUNY Cortland, completing a in in 2011 with a 4.03 grade point average. For his outstanding academic achievements as a graduate student-athlete, he received recognition from the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), including a spot on the 2011 Academic first team.

Playing career

Colgate University

Dan Pitcher enrolled at in 2005 as a for the Raiders, competing in NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision within the . His freshman season was derailed by a injury sustained during preseason camp, resulting in no game action and limiting his early development. As a in 2006, Pitcher served as the third-string behind starter Mike Saracino and did not appear in any games, continuing to focus on practice reps and skill refinement amid stiff competition for playing time. Entering the 2007 spring practices as a junior, he vied for the starting role but suffered a injury that led to issues and required in August, preventing participation in the fall season. Over his three years at Colgate (2005–2007), Pitcher recorded no official statistics, as he saw zero game action due to these setbacks, but he contributed to team preparations and pursued a major in . Frustrated by persistent injuries and limited opportunities at the Division I level, Pitcher transferred to SUNY Cortland after the 2007 season to seek a better program fit and more substantial playing time, preserving three years of eligibility in the process. This move marked the end of his Colgate tenure, where early challenges honed his resilience ahead of a more prominent role at the Division III level.

SUNY Cortland

Dan Pitcher transferred to the at Cortland (SUNY Cortland) after limited playing time at and served as the backup quarterback for the Red Dragons' 2008 NCAA Division III playoff team before becoming the starter from 2009 to 2011. As starter, Pitcher led the Red Dragons to postseason appearances in each of his three seasons, including playoffs in 2010 with a first-round victory over (49–35), an ECAC Division III Bowl Game win against in 2011 (14–0), and an ECAC bowl loss to St. in 2009 (34–20), though the 2009 season's wins were later vacated by NCAA action unrelated to Pitcher's performance. Pitcher's career passing statistics at SUNY Cortland reflect his efficiency and productivity in Division III football, compiling 402 completions out of 674 attempts (59.6% completion rate) for 5,033 yards and 54 across 30 games, with limited interceptions throughout his tenure. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for notable yards and scores, including 202 rushing yards and three in his senior season alone. These numbers helped establish him as a dual-threat leader, breaking school records such as single-season touchdown passes (31 in 2011) and sharing marks for single-game passing yards (491) and (5). In his senior year of 2011, Pitcher had a breakout campaign, completing 197 of 317 passes (62.2%) for 2,712 yards and 31 touchdowns with only five interceptions in 11 games, earning him first-team All-New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) honors for the second consecutive year and NJAC Offensive Player of the Year. He was selected as a D3football.com honorable mention All-American and finished as a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, awarded to the top player in NCAA Division III, recognizing his on-field excellence combined with academic achievements as a Capital One Academic All-America first-team selection. Pitcher's impact extended beyond statistics, as he captained the Red Dragons to consistent postseason success and was inducted into the SUNY Cortland C-Club Hall of Fame in 2023 as one of the program's all-time great quarterbacks. His leadership and performance solidified SUNY Cortland's reputation as a Division III powerhouse during his era, with the team finishing ranked in the top 25 nationally in 2011.

Coaching and scouting career

Early coaching at SUNY Cortland

Following his as a at SUNY Cortland, Dan Pitcher transitioned into by joining the Red Dragons' staff in spring 2012 as a volunteer wide receivers coach. This role marked his initial entry into professional football at his , where he focused on foundational teaching and preparation amid a brief but intensive stint. Pitcher's responsibilities included player development through hands-on drills, such as extensive use of the JUGS machine to enhance receivers' catching and route-running skills, which helped instill a rigorous training culture within the program. He also contributed to the offensive scheme by assisting in practice planning during spring sessions, drawing on his background to offer insights into timing and play execution. These efforts emphasized conceptual growth over rote repetition, allowing him to refine his ability to break down techniques for college-level athletes. During this period, Pitcher balanced his coaching duties with a full-time job at a local insurance company in Cortland, demonstrating his determination to break into professional football despite financial uncertainties. This transitional phase underscored his hustle, as he juggled daytime work with evening and weekend commitments to the team, viewing the role as a critical stepping stone. Key influences included learning from the SUNY Cortland coaching staff, particularly mentor Paul Alexander, a former Bengals assistant who provided guidance on offensive strategies and career navigation. Pitcher also networked extensively at coaching conventions, including the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, where these connections laid the groundwork for his future opportunities while exposing him to advanced scheme design principles. These experiences honed his early coaching philosophy, emphasizing adaptability and relationship-building in football operations.

Scouting with the Indianapolis Colts

Dan Pitcher joined the in 2012 as a scouting assistant, marking his entry into personnel operations following his volunteer coaching role at SUNY Cortland. In this position, he supported the department by breaking down game film of prospects and compiling detailed scouting reports, often working long hours in a shared office equipped with multiple screens for analysis. His responsibilities included preparing evaluations that contributed to the team's draft preparations, including the class where the Colts selected players like outside linebacker Bjoern Werner in the first round. Promoted to pro scout in 2014, Pitcher served in that role through 2015, shifting focus to evaluations of professional and free-agent players while continuing to assist with scouting. This progression allowed him to gain experience in assessing talent for potential acquisitions, including reviewing film and generating reports on waived or cut players to update grades for the team's roster needs. During this period, he was involved in preparations for events like the Combine and pro days, helping organize logistics such as player workouts and visits, which honed his analytical skills in player evaluation. He also contributed to the 2015 draft class evaluations. Pitcher's scouting tenure with the Colts spanned four years, from 2012 to 2015, during which he contributed to multiple draft classes, including the 2014 selection of offensive tackle Jack Mewhort. This behind-the-scenes work in personnel evaluation bridged his college coaching background—where he emphasized film study and player development—to the professional level, building a foundation for his later transition to on-field coaching roles.

Coaching with the Cincinnati Bengals

Dan Pitcher joined the in 2016 as an offensive assistant and under , where he focused on film breakdown and assisting with the installation of offensive schemes, particularly supporting the wide receivers group. In this entry-level role, Pitcher contributed to the team's preparation by analyzing opponent tendencies and helping integrate new plays into practice sessions. Pitcher was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach in 2019, then elevated to quarterbacks coach from 2020 to 2023, where he worked closely with franchise quarterback on footwork mechanics, pre-snap reads, and protection adjustments to enhance decision-making under pressure. During this period, his guidance was instrumental in Burrow's development, contributing to the quarterback's breakout performances, including a 2021 postseason run where Burrow threw for 1,105 yards and five touchdowns en route to the Bengals' appearance in . Pitcher's innovative approaches to quarterback drills emphasized precision and adaptability, fostering Burrow's growth into an elite NFL passer. In January 2023, prior to his promotion, the Bengals signed to a lucrative contract extension as quarterbacks coach amid interest from other teams seeking him for vacancies. He advanced to on January 25, 2024, succeeding , who departed for the head coaching job, allowing Pitcher to take full control of play-calling while maintaining continuity in the Bengals' scheme. In his inaugural season as during 2024, Pitcher orchestrated a high-powered Bengals offense that led the in passing yards per game at 289.3, ranked top-10 in total yards, points scored, and touchdowns, and propelled to MVP-caliber production with efficient, explosive plays. The unit's dynamic scheme, blending quick releases and deep shots, supported a 9-8 regular-season record but missed the . Entering his second year as in 2025, Pitcher has adapted the Bengals' scheme amid quarterback challenges, including veteran stepping in as starter following injuries to the primary options, while managing Flacco's own mid-season AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder that limited practice but allowed him to play through in key games. As of November 16, 2025, with the team at 3-6, Pitcher's play-calling has emphasized balance, elevating Chase Brown to a featured role with over 1,000 scrimmage yards projected and top-10 running back status per team evaluations, while integrating draft contributions like fifth-round offensive lineman Jalen Rivers from to bolster protection. This continuity with Zac Taylor has sustained the offense's core principles, focusing on explosive plays despite early-season hurdles.

Personal life and honors

Family

Dan Pitcher is married to Marissa Pitcher (née Goodstein), whom he met while both were students at SUNY Cortland; she graduated in 2012 with a degree in inclusive and was a standout gymnast there. The couple wed in May 2016. Pitcher and his wife have one son, , born in 2022. The family has emphasized the challenges and joys of balancing Pitcher's demanding schedule with quality time together, as highlighted in his public statements upon career advancements. Since joining the Bengals in 2016, the Pitchers have resided primarily in the area, where they have expressed a deep affection for the community and intent to remain long-term. Pitcher maintains strong ties to his roots in , where his family has deep connections to the local university. Outside of football, Pitcher prioritizes family outings and downtime, with Marissa often sharing glimpses of their home life to celebrate everyday moments.

Awards and recognition

During his playing career at SUNY Cortland, Dan Pitcher earned significant accolades as a , including selection as an Honorable Mention honoree in 2011 by D3football.com for his leadership in guiding the Red Dragons to a 9-2 record. He was also named a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy that year, recognizing him as one of the top scholar-athletes in football, an honor that underscores his dual excellence in performance and academics. These achievements highlighted his precision passing and team impact, with Pitcher throwing for 2,712 yards and earning First-Team Academic status as well. Pitcher's contributions as a player were formally recognized in 2023 when he was inducted into the SUNY Cortland C-Club Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2010, celebrating his role as an quarterback in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The induction, held on September 2, 2023, acknowledged his lasting legacy at the institution where he set passing records and exemplified athletic excellence. In his coaching tenure with the , Pitcher received notable professional recognition, including a lucrative extension in 2023 as quarterbacks coach, following interest from multiple teams seeking his expertise in quarterback development. That same month, he conducted interviews—including a virtual session on January 27 and an in-person follow-up on February 8—with the for their vacancy, affirming his rising status among coordinators. By 2024, as promoted , Pitcher was praised in league analyses as one of the 's brightest young minds, credited with evolving the Bengals' offensive schemes to enhance efficiency and adaptability around quarterback . As of November 2025, Pitcher's impact continued to draw acclaim, with analysts tabbing him as a top head coaching candidate based on his innovative play-calling and quarterback development, despite the Bengals' offense ranking mid-tier in key categories mid-season. This recognition built on his schemes, which emphasized continuity and quarterback protection, contributing to strong team performance without major overhauls.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/PitcDa0.htm
  2. https://www.cortlandreddragons.com/honors/suny-cortland-c-club-hall-of-fame/dan-pitcher/545
  3. https://www.bengals.com/team/coaches-roster/dan-pitcher
  4. https://colgateathletics.com/sports/football/roster/dan-pitcher/382
  5. https://www.cortlandschools.org/teacherpage.cfm?teacher=4359
  6. https://cnycentral.com/sports/content/coaching-in-the-super-bowl-dan-pitchers-journey-from-cny-to-the-nfl
  7. https://www2.cortland.edu/news/former-cortland-quarterback-heading-to-super-bowl
  8. https://collegesportscommunicators.com/media/documents/2011/11/2011_Football_Acad_All_District_NEW.pdf
  9. https://www.pressconnects.com/story/sports/2022/02/11/super-bowl-cincinnati-bengals-quarterbacks-coach-dan-pitcher-suny-cortland/6712033001/
  10. https://www.golongtd.com/p/built-to-lead-the-arduous-rise-of
  11. https://www.cortlandreddragons.com/news/2022/2/3/football-former-cortland-standout-dan-pitcher-heading-to-super-bowl-as-bengals-qb-coach.aspx
  12. https://www.cortlandreddragons.com/sports/2018/11/1/football-postseason-history.aspx
  13. https://www.cortlandreddragons.com/news/2011/11/18/FB_1118110212.aspx
  14. https://www.cortlandreddragons.com/news/2011/11/22/FB_1122111312.aspx
  15. https://collegesportscommunicators.com/media/documents/2011/12/2011AAAFootballTeam_D3.pdf
  16. https://dailyorange.com/2022/02/dan-pitchers-unconventional-rise-bengals-super-bowl-coach/
  17. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2013_draft.htm
  18. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/2015_draft.htm
  19. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39380068/sources-bengals-promote-qbs-coach-dan-pitcher-oc
  20. https://www.bengals.com/news/dan-pitcher-offensive-coordinator-quarterbacks-coach-promotion
  21. https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-sign-quarterbacks-coach-dan-pitcher-to-contract-extension
  22. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/top-5-nfl-passing-yards-per-game-in-2024
  23. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2024.htm
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6767169/2025/10/31/bengals-joe-flacco-playing-injury/
  25. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/bengals-joe-flacco-cleared-to-start-week-9/
  26. https://www.pro-football-history.com/coach/2752/dan-pitcher-bio
  27. https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-oc-chase-brown-is-a-top-10-back-in-the-league
  28. https://www.bengals.com/team/players-roster/jalen-rivers/
  29. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6414747/2025/06/12/bengals-dan-pitcher-offensive-coordinator-year-2/
  30. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-who-is-cincinnati-bengals-coach-dan-pitcher-wife-marissa-all-about-the-bengals-oc-partner/
  31. https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-bengals-dan-pitcher-offensive-coordinator/46525888
  32. https://www2.cortland.edu/news/c-club-hall-of-fame-to-add-seven-members
  33. https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-interview-bengals-assistant-dan-pitcher-oc-position-2023
  34. https://www.buccaneers.com/news/tampa-bay-bucs-interview-dan-pitcher-second-time-bengals
  35. https://www.bengals.com/news/offensive-coordinator-dan-pitcher-one-of-brightest-young-minds-in-nfl
  36. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2024/11/14/24296576/cincinnati-bengals-dan-pitcher-nfl-head-coaching-candidates-2025
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