We previously heard that Marvin Lewis may be looking to return to the NFL, but the former Bengals head coach’s tone changed a bit during a conversation with Zach Gelb on CBS Sports Radio. When asked if he’ll ever coach in the NFL again, Lewis responded “I don’t think so. I’m fine.” (via Yahoo’s Shalise Manza Young).
We learned in May that Lewis would serve as an advisor for Herman Edwards‘ Arizona State program. Some NFL sources believed he was keeping his toe in coaching with an eye on getting back into the NFL in 2020. Lewis’ recent comments would seem to contradict that report, but it’s also understandable for him to take a bit of a break following his 16-year run with Cincy.
In other words, it wouldn’t be shocking if Lewis doesn’t return to the NFL by 2020, although a future hiring shouldn’t be taken lightly. As our own Zach Links pointed out, it remains to be seen whether Lewis would garner head-coaching consideration in a league that seemingly values youth. However, given Lewis’ reputation as a defensive-minded coach, he should at least garner some interest as a defensive coordinator.
Lewis, 61 in September, went 131-122-3 with the Bengals, giving him the most wins in franchise history. While Lewis inherited one of the worst teams in the NFL and turned them into a winner, his legacy is marred by the Bengals 0-7 playoff record during his tenure. The former head coach was asked to reflect on his lack of playoff success during his interview with Gelb.
“The other team ended up with more points,” Lewis said. “You become an NFL coach for one thing, and that’s to win the championship – and we were unable to do that. That’s the unfortunate part.”
Coach again? How he lasted that long in Cincy was a mystery.
He does have a better career win percentage than both John Gruden and Weeb Ewbank who won SBs.
Don’t bring Weeb down to their levels.
Weeb had Namath and yet only managed a .480 win percentage with the Jets. Imagine how bad it would have been without Namath.
Namath is recognized b3cause he was flamboyant, but he was the epitome of average, 62-63-4 record and 50% completion percentage.
Forgot the 173 TDS with 220 INTs and led the league in INTs 4x.
So your saying Namath was just some mediocre hick from Alabama but because he looked sexy in pantyhose the Jets were willing to make him the leagues highest paid player. You do realize how silly that sounds?
That was during an era when defense was still permitted. If the rules back then were as offensive friendly as they are today he would have passed for 400 yards and 3TDs every game.
Very true
Win % is one thing, running a halfway house is another.
“That’s a shame too – Coach Lewis has so much to teach and has the success to back it up.”
-Literally nobody. Ever.
0-for-The Playoffs. I actually gotta kick seeing a clip of him as LBs coach for Pittsburgh in 1995. DC’d that great 2000 Ravens team… so much promise. Alas, nothing.