The 1976 Cincinnati Bengals season was the franchise's 7th season in the National Football League, and the 9th overall. Paul Brown had announced his retirement after 41 seasons of coaching and named Bill Johnson, his longtime assistant, as the successor over future San Francisco Head coach Bill Walsh. Brown continued to serve as the club's general manager and vice president. The Bengals acquired defensive end Coy Bacon in a trade with San Diego and drafted halfback Archie Griffin, the two-time Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State. The Bengals won nine of their first 11 games and finished 10–4, but did not make the playoffs.

Offseason

NFL Draft

Personnel

Staff

Roster

Regular season

Schedule

Standings

Team stats

Team leaders

Awards and records

Pro Bowl Selections