CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Bengals fired coach Marvin Lewis, ending a 16-year stay in Cincinnati that included a record five straight playoff appearances without so much as one win.
"I didn't deliver what the No. 1 goal is, and that's to be world champions, and we did not get that done," Lewis said at a news conference Monday.
- Lewis had postseason record of 0-7, the worst in NFL history.
- Bengals haven’t won a playoff game since 1990.
- Bengals were 131-129-3 under Lewis’ tenure.
Lewis' departure ends the second-longest active coaching tenure in the NFL. New England's Bill Belichick is wrapping up his 19th season with another postseason berth. He's won five Super Bowls and made eight appearances in the title game, both NFL records.
By contrast, Lewis leaves Cincinnati with a postseason record of 0-7, the worst in NFL history. The Bengals haven't won a playoff game since the 1990 season, tied with Washington for the fifth-longest futility in league history.
Shawn Moore, a self-professed Bengals super fan living in Tampa, Florida, told Spectrum News 1 that Lewis helped turn the franchise around, but that it’s time for some new energy. “As far as the next coaching hire, I hope it comes from outside the organization,” he said. “I think it's time to breathe fresh blood into this group.”
Lewis lobbied Monday for former Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson to get an interview for the job. Lewis hired Jackson, a close friend, as a special assistant after he was fired by the Browns in October. Current special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons, as well as offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, are also reportedly the Bengals’ short list to replace Lewis.