Bengals Hire Scott Peters as Offensive Line Coach, Aim for AFC North Dominance

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Bengals have named Scott Peters as their new offensive line coach, bringing in a seasoned NFL veteran with deep ties to the AFC North. Peters, 46, joins the Bengals after a one-year stint as the New England Patriots‘ offensive line coach and four years as an assistant under Bill Callahan with the Cleveland Browns.

Head coach Zac Taylor announced the hiring Monday, emphasizing Peters’ familiarity with the division and his track record of developing players. “Scott is a great fit for our offense,” Taylor said. “He is passionate about the position and has done a great job of both developing young players and helping veterans continue to grow.”

Peters, a former NFL guard and center, brings a wealth of experience to Cincinnati. During his tenure with the Browns, the team consistently ranked among the league’s top rushing offenses, finishing no lower than 12th in the NFL from 2020 to 2023. Under his guidance, guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

“I want to bring a level of toughness and the mindset that we’re protectors,” Peters said during his introductory press conference at Paycor Stadium. “Protectors do it with more than just the shield. We do it with the sword. Giving guys tools, giving them the mentality, enhancing some things to equip them for different types of opponents.”

Peters also highlighted his excitement about returning to the AFC North, calling it his “favorite division in all the NFL” due to its competitive nature and storied rivalries. “There’s good continuity in the division, so you know the opponents well,” he said. “That familiarity is important.”

Joining Peters on the Bengals’ staff is Michael McCarthy, who will serve as assistant offensive line coach. McCarthy, 38, worked alongside Peters in New England last season and brings seven years of NFL coaching experience, including stints with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.

Peters’ coaching philosophy is rooted in his time under Bill Callahan, whom he credits as a mentor. “He painted a model for me as a coach,” Peters said. “The way he approaches everything is so well thought out. The details are there, from how you attack an opponent to how you prepare your players.”

As a player, Peters was an All-Pac-10 center at Arizona State University before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002. He spent time with five NFL teams during his seven-year career, including the New York Giants, where he appeared in seven regular-season games in 2003.

The Bengals are hoping Peters’ expertise will bolster an offensive line tasked with protecting star quarterback Joe Burrow and paving the way for a dynamic rushing attack. With the AFC North known for its physicality, Peters’ emphasis on toughness and preparation could prove pivotal in the team’s quest for division supremacy.