Marvin Lewis is more than safe

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 2, 2008 11:19 AM EDT

Within the past month, several publications label Bengals head coach, Marvin Lewis, on their respective "hot seat" lists (we love lists!!!). To be fair, the general perception is accurate; Lewis was a noted defensive coach, yet the Bengals defense has yet to show significant improvements -- except for turnovers where the Bengals are actually decent. Perception is also that Lewis has struggled with problematic players. To me, this splits off into two arguments; which we've beaten to death. However, it's the perception. He allows a chaotic lockerroom based on reports from PFT.

In five seasons, the Bengals have one playoff appearance (no wins) and only one winning record. It should also be noted that only one time in franchise history have the Bengals gone through a stretch longer than Lewis' four consecutive non-losing seasons between 2003-2006. Among all-time Bengals head coaches, Lewis' .525 ranks third among the nine Bengals head coaches in franchise history.

Forrest Greg (32-25, .561)
Bill Johnson (18-15, .545)
Marvin Lewis (42-38, .525)
Paul Brown (55-56-1, .495)
Sam Wyche (61-66, .480)
Bruce Coslet (21-39, .350)
Homer Rice (8-19, .296)
Dave Shula (19-52, .268)
Dick LeBeau (12-33, .267)

Lewis has his faults and failures -- most notably the draft picks that simply don't pan out along with several perceptions.

Specifically speaking this season, the Bengals are undergoing a transformation, of sorts. With several wide receiver draft picks, a revamped Bengals secondary, a solid defensive front-seven and a new defensive coordinator that's drawing tremendous reviews from players, the Bengals are the midst of a "revamping". Which makes me think that even if the Bengals fail miserably this season, Lewis is still safe. Oh, then there's the question: "Do you want the front office to select another head coach?"

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Comments

Agreed

... on that last point. I really don’t thing management would find someone better than Marvin.

by the-dude on Jul 2, 2008 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

Better than Marvin

Please tell me why Marvin is so great. What has he done in Cincy that is SO great????? I am trying to see why cincinnati loves this man. Did he throw a bone to the fans with a 8-8 season? Heck, anyone could have done better with Mike Brown out of the way. That is the only reason Marvin improved the team, Mike got his a&*^& out of the way. Lebeau, Shula, or any of other “bad” coaches could have done just as good if Mike would have gotten out of their way and let them make football decisions. No brainer there.

by jwjr on Jul 5, 2008 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions

Two words

Bill Cowher

by IgnatiusJReilly on Jul 2, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions

Two words

B – - L S – - T

by emdrr on Jul 3, 2008 10:21 AM EDT reply actions

More than Two words

No insult to Irish IJR, but I would give up my 30yr season tix if he came to Cincy. Schula,Rice and Lebeau were enough. We swallowed our pride with these three.
It’s not always about Winning at any cost!

by emdrr on Jul 3, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions

RE:

Not to mention, the Browns wouldn’t pay him the cost to get him. And I doubt Cowher would come to Cincinnati… I think he’s more in line to get something on the East Coast—like the Carolina speculation if John Fox gets the axe.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Josh Kirkendall on Jul 3, 2008 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

just kidding

Maybe Marvin could at least grow an imposing mustache. What’s Mike Brown’s 17 year record? Can’t we fire him? Maybe get DeBartolo to buy the team? Won’t someone rid me of this meddlesome Brown family?

by IgnatiusJReilly on Jul 3, 2008 5:40 PM EDT reply actions

Same old s%*t

Here we go again, accepting mediocricy. When are cincy fans going to say enough is enough. You go down and fill Paul Brown to capacity and the team sucks and has sucked for 18 years. Everyone is so excited for the 8-8 season after so many years of 2-14 that everyone thinks Marvin is great. He’s not. It’s time we demand a winning team. The way to do that is to quit lining Mike Brown’s wallet with cash. Stop supporting these losers that cannot get it straight. We needed Bill Parcels in here or a man like Cowher. These guys are too smart to get in this Cincy mess though. Here goes another year of Chad mouthing off, cancers on the team, losing, excuses, etc. Are cincy fans that dumb?????

by jwjr on Jul 5, 2008 7:45 AM EDT reply actions