The Cincinnati Bengals are making it clear that they want Tee Higgins back in the fold next season.

The 33rd overall pick in 2020, Higgins will be a free agent this offseason.

The Bengals have some options to retain the wide receiver -- extend him on a long-term deal, franchise tag him for roughly $22 million in 2024, tag and trade him, or simply let him walk in free agency to create cap space.

"We'll see what happens this year," executive Duke Tobin said. "I want Tee Higgins back. Everyone on our team would like to have Tee Higgins back. Again, there's one pie and how big of a slice that takes and what else we can't do because of it, we'll have to determine and we'll see."

The Cincinnati Bengals have promoted quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher to offensive coordinator, according to a report.

Pitcher replaces Brian Callahan, who recently took the head coaching position with the Tennessee Titans.

The 37-year-old has been with the Bengals dating back to 2016 when he broke into the NFL as an offensive assistant.

Speaking to the media for the first time since going on injured reserve in November, Joe Burrow offered support for Tee Higgins to return in 2024.

Higgins, a fellow member of Burrow's 2020 draft class, is entering the final year of his rookie deal.

"It's no secret, our relationship," Burrow said. "I expect Tee to be back. I think that's the sentiment in the locker room. We all want Tee back.

"We know what kind of player he is. We know what kind of person he is. He's what being a Bengal is all about."

The Bengals will have to make contract decisions on all three starting receivers. Tyler Boyd is at the end of the contract he signed in 2019. Ja'Marr Chase, who has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons, is eligible for an extension.

Higgins could also receive a new deal. The window for the Bengals to potentially give Higgins the franchise tag runs from Feb. 20 to March 5.