The Bengals today signed head coach Marvin Lewis to a two-year contract through the 2019 season.
Lewis in 2018 will extend his Bengals-record head coaching tenure to 16 seasons, twice that of both Paul Brown (1968-75) and Sam Wyche ('84-91), who are tied for second with eight seasons each. Lewis is the winningest coach in Bengals history with 125 career victories, which ranks 26th all-time in NFL history and fourth among active coaches.
"Marvin Lewis has been an important member of the Cincinnati community and the Bengals family for the past 15 years, and we are happy to have reached this agreement," said Bengals President Mike Brown. "Marvin has made significant contributions during his time here. While recently we have fallen short of our expectations, we have full confidence in Marvin to re-establish winning football in 2018."
"My family and I are very grateful for the opportunity to stay in Cincinnati and continue my career with the Bengals," said Lewis. "My job is to win a World Championship. We have a talented roster full of veteran leaders and emerging young stars, and I am committed to making the necessary improvements to put this team in the best position to win."
Lewis has 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.
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, '13 and '15.
Lewis was named the ninth head coach in Bengals history on Jan. 14, 2003.
Lewis will be available to media tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon. Information regarding the timing of that availability will be distributed tomorrow morning.
