:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58028857/894365286.jpg.0.jpg)
The Bengals have just two games left in what should be the final year for Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati.
Prior to Sunday’s blowout loss to the Vikings, reports surfaced that Lewis was planning to leave the Bengals at season’s end. It remains unclear if this will be Lewis’ own decision, or if it’s going to be situation where Lewis was on the way out even if he wanted to return.
It sounds like it’s a mutual parting, but regardless of how the divorce comes, it’s a major distraction for the Bengals. Sure, no one expected them to win in Minnesota, but this Bengals team is better than the one we saw get demolished by a 34-7 margin.
On Monday, Lewis met with the media and addressed the ‘reports’ of his eventual exit. Of course, he went out of his way to sidestep every question about his future and did nothing to confirm or deny he’s on the way out.
When asked if he wants to coach the Bengals next season, he responded with a simple "sure."
Marvin Lewis on if he wants to be back in Cincinnati next year: "I want to coach football." Lewis was then asked if he wants to coach in Cincinnati: "Sure."
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) December 18, 2017
He did so with the same level of enthusiasm a child has when asked to take out the trash or do the laundry.
Of course, Twitter had a field day with it:
Hey Marvin, is being outscored 67-14 in the last two games bad? "Sure".
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) December 18, 2017
Marvin Lewis' spirit animal is a dog thats2 tired to get off the couch after u catch him sleeping on it https://t.co/vXuKsr3IzW
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) December 18, 2017
This is the index card in its human form. https://t.co/mruWhCu86P
— Chris Roling (@Chris_Roling) December 18, 2017
“Sure” the epitome of a Marvin Lewis press conference quote.
— Tyler Mercurio (@Mercurio_FB) December 18, 2017
I think instead of "Run on your own gas," the t-shirt slogan for a 2018 #Bengals team coached by Marvin Lewis should just be, "Sure."
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 18, 2017
Marvin Lewis' response to coaching Bengals in 2018 - "Sure"
— JimJamFlimFlam (@JamesWeingand) December 18, 2017
If I was a player, I would have a hard time showing up.
Summary of Marvin Lewis press conference...
— 34inXXIII (@34inXXIII) December 18, 2017
Marvin: 'This team hasn't quit.'
Narrator: 'They have.'
Marvin: 'I haven't spoken to Mike Brown about the future.'
Narrator: 'He has.'
Marvin: 'I'd still like to coach next year.'
Narrator: 'He won't.'
Black Monday sure can’t get here fast enough.