Report: Ex-Bengals HC Marvin Lewis Seen 'As a Top Candidate' by Multiple Teams
November 17, 2019
Former Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis will reportedly be a "top candidate" for multiple potential head coaching openings after the 2020 season.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported the coaching carousel in 2020 should "value experience," making Lewis a name that will garner consideration.
Lewis led the Bengals to a 131-122-3 record in 16 seasons, making the playoffs seven times. Cincinnati was 0-7 in the postseason under Lewis.
Eight coaches are in their first season with their respective teams, and 15 teams have hired new coaches since 2018 (including Washington). It's unclear what potential job openings there will be besides the vacant Washington job, which is currently held by interim coach Bill Callahan.
NFL teams went away from experienced choices in 2019. Six of the eight coaches hired were first-time choices, and only one (Matt LaFleur) currently has a winning record. Teams could be looking at the struggles of coaches like Zac Taylor, Freddie Kitchens and Brian Flores and desiring a steadier hand in this hiring cycle.
Lewis never coached the Bengals to spectacular results, but he was clearly far from the problem. The Bengals are 0-9 under Taylor with a roster that featured a number of players Lewis led to a 6-10 record in 2018.
It's unclear whether Lewis will be interested in returning to coaching. La Canfora's report noted that Lewis wanted to take time away from coaching after being fired by the Bengals, though the "right opportunities" could spark an interest.
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