Know it’s a big Steelers’ day but have to toss out this piece of important AFC North news. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier Sunday morning Cincinnati Bengals’ head coach Marvin Lewis will step down at the end of the year to “pursue opportunities elsewhere.”
Since becoming the Bengals head coach in 2003, Cincinnati is 123-111-3 under him. Despite making the playoffs seven times, they have never won a game. And with them out of playoff contention this year, that streak will never be broken.
Lewis, a Pittsburgh native, served as the Steelers’ linebackers coach from 1992-1995.
It’s unclear what “other opportunities” means or if that’s a cover to avoid the realization owner Mike Brown was finally going to fire him. While the Bengals have been able to be competitive, they’ve never gotten over the hump, and have notoriously been considered undisciplined teams who lose as many games as they win.
Other reports indicated the Bengals were hoping to target former offensive coordinator Hue Jackson as Lewis’ replacement. But the Cleveland Browns are adamant about keeping Jackson, making it unclear who will fill Lewis’ role.
Against the Steelers in his career, Lewis is 8-22 in the regular season. Since 2010, the Bengals have only won three matchups and none over the past two seasons.
