The Cincinnati Bengals and Marvin Lewis have mutually decided to part ways after 16 seasons.
Lewis was named the ninth head coach in Bengals history on Jan. 14, 2003. His career record is 131-122-3 in regular season and 131-129-3 including postseason. His total of 131 career victories is the most in team history and ranks tied for 24th in NFL history.
Lewis led the Bengals to the postseason seven times, including a five-year run from 2011-15. The total number of playoff trips and the five-year streak of consecutive appearances are Bengals records, and the Bengals were one of only four NFL teams to reach the playoffs every year from 2011-15. The total of seven playoff appearances in Lewis' career (since 2003) ranks tied for 10th in the NFL, and the team's total of six playoff appearances in the last 10 seasons (since 2009) ranks tied for fourth in the league.
Lewis was the consensus choice for NFL Coach of the Year in 2009, when the Bengals won the AFC North Division while sweeping all six division games. The Bengals also were AFC North champions under Lewis in 2005, 2013 and 2015. Lewis coached 21 Pro Bowl players, who made a combined 48 Pro Bowl appearances. He served on the NFL Competition Committee for 12 years from 2006-18.
"I want to thank the Bengals' organization, the fans and the city of Cincinnati for their support," Lewis said. "I regret I haven't been able to provide them with the No. 1 goal of being world champions. I also want to thank our players, coaches and team employees for their effort and professionalism over the past 16 years. A lot of fine people have gone through this building in that time, and the organization is better for all of them having been a part of it."
The team will begin the search for a new head coach immediately. It expects to review many candidates and anticipates that the process will last several weeks.
"The team is very appreciative of all that Marvin has accomplished over the past 16 years," said Bengals President Mike Brown. "Personally, I am very fond of Marvin and will miss working with him. He is a friend and a colleague, and I thank him for what he has meant to this franchise. But it is time to turn the page and look toward the next chapter for our organization, and we are excited about what the future holds for the team and our fans."
