Cincinnati Bengals and head coach Marvin Lewis on Monday decided to part ways after a 16-season career that saw him become the second-longest tenured manager in the league. New England’s Bill Belichick currently holds the record at 19 seasons and counting.
Marvin appeared to be leaving the Bengals last season but the organization handed him a two-year contract extension. With a 6-10 record this season, Bengals’ owner Mike Brown reportedly made the decision to let go the coach.
“The team is very appreciative of all that Marvin has accomplished over the past 16 years,” Brown said in a statement. “I thank him for what he’s meant to this franchise.”
The coach thanked the organization and the city of Cincinnati after his release.
“I want to thank the Bengals’ organization the fans and the city of Cincinnati for their support,” Lewis said.
Hired in 2003
Lewis was hired in 2003 and led the Bengals to the playoffs seven times. However, the 60-year-old couldn’t lead his team past the first round of the post season each other time. On the bright side, Marvin won the NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2009. He also took over the Bengals when they were still struggling and led to them to the AFC North title in 2005, their first playoff appearance since 1990.
Lewis is reportedly interested in a coaching job and will be looking for offers this offseason.
