Sarah Sherman, wife of Zac Taylor, is deeply connected to the world of football. Married to the Cincinnati Bengals head coach, Sarah has been a constant support throughout his career. Learn more about her background and family life.
Zac Taylor’s wife—American football coach Zac Taylor was born on May 10, 1983, in Norman, Oklahoma, United States. Married to Sarah Sherman, Taylor has become a prominent name in the NFL as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. Sarah Sherman’s connection to football runs deep, influenced by her family’s love for the game, which helps her support Taylor’s demanding career.
Born to parents Sherwood and Julie Taylor, Zac Taylor grew up with three siblings, including his brother Press Taylor, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He attended Norman High School before moving on to Butler Community College in Kansas and later completing his education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Taylor began his career in coaching after a stint in Canadian football, serving for four years as a tight ends coach at Texas A&M under head coach Mike Sherman—Sarah Sherman’s father and Taylor’s mentor. This mentorship eventually led Taylor to his marriage with Sarah Sherman in 2008, beginning a life in which football and family have remained tightly intertwined.
Career Journey and Key Milestones in Zac Taylor’s Life
In January 2012, Taylor was hired as the Miami Dolphins’ assistant quarterbacks coach. On November 30, 2015, Taylor was promoted to interim offensive coordinator after the team’s former offensive coordinator, Bill Lazor, was let go. Under Taylor’s guidance, the Dolphins went 2-3, with an average of 17 points per game, showing steady performance despite the mid-season coaching transition.
In 2016, Taylor moved into college football, joining the University of Cincinnati Bearcats as the offensive coordinator. He credits this opportunity to Jim Turner, a former Miami Dolphins offensive line coach, who introduced him to Bearcats head coach Tommy Tuberville.
Taylor’s next significant move came in 2017 when Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, hired him as assistant wide receivers coach. Taylor was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2018 and went on to guide quarterback Jared Goff to the NFC Championship and Super Bowl LIII.
On February 4, 2019, Taylor was named head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. Although his debut game as head coach against the Seattle Seahawks ended in a narrow 21-20 defeat, Taylor and the Bengals showed potential. Despite a challenging start to the 2019 season, Taylor remained determined, eventually helping the team to success in future seasons.
In 2020, Taylor began building around rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s first-round pick. Despite an opening defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, Taylor saw his first victory of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars in week four. After a string of losses, Taylor’s road record was impacted but his commitment to building a strong team was unwavering.
By 2021, Taylor and Burrow began to see results, starting with a thrilling overtime victory against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. Taylor’s first winning season since 2015 arrived with a 41-21 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, followed by a win against the Kansas City Chiefs that secured the AFC North division title.
Taylor led the Bengals to their first playoff victory since 1990 with a Wild Card Round win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The team ultimately fell short in Super Bowl LVI, losing 23-20 to the Los Angeles Rams. Following this season, Taylor signed an extension through 2026, securing his role as head coach with an increased salary.
Who is Sarah Sherman?
Sarah Sherman, Zac Taylor’s wife, has been by his side for over 14 years, sharing his passion for football—a legacy from her father, Mike Sherman, a respected football coach. This connection to football helped her understand Taylor’s career, supporting him through various relocations and career transitions.
Sarah and Zac Taylor have four children: Brooks Taylor, Luke Taylor, Emma Claire Taylor, and Milly Taylor. Family is at the core of Taylor’s life, and Sarah Sherman plays an essential role in balancing his high-profile coaching career with family life. Their shared history in football and mutual support have strengthened their bond, providing stability as Taylor navigates the highs and lows of NFL coaching.
Sarah Sherman’s background as the daughter of a coach and her role as a supportive wife have undoubtedly influenced Zac Taylor’s success, making her an indispensable part of his journey. With their strong family foundation and her deep-rooted understanding of the football world, Sarah Sherman remains a constant and supportive presence in Zac Taylor’s life, both on and off the field.
