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The Cincinnati Bengals ‘could’ be parting ways with Marvin Lewis this offseason.
It could be Lewis getting fired (though that’s not necessary as his contract is up), or Lewis may opt to retire himself, but it’s becoming clear that his time in Cincinnati beyond this year is iffy at best.
So, where will his next stop be if it’s not with the Bengals in 2018?
A football guy like Lewis almost certainly won’t stay away from the game for long, if at all, in the event he’s not with the Bengals in 2018. He may be able to find another head coaching job, or perhaps he’ll look to work in a front-office capacity.
Could that be within the AFC North. How about for the Browns?
ESPN Cleveland reporter Tony Grossi seems to think it’s possible...
Dont count out Marvin Lewis as possible GM of #Browns.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) December 7, 2017
In case you missed it, the Browns just fired general manager Sashi Brown, and owner Jimmy Haslam just released a statement that Hue Jackson will remain the head coach in 2018. That means Lewis could potentially reunite with his good pal Hue in Cleveland.
“Hue Jackson will remain our coach and will return for the 2018 season but we feel it is necessary to take significant steps to strengthen our personnel department,” Haslam said.
It’s very hard to see Lewis taking an assistant coaching role anywhere, but a general manager spot seems like something he’d consider. He’s had a much stronger say in personnel moves as his tenure with the Bengals has wore on.
While you can question his actual coaching abilities, you can’t question his eye for talent.
It’s hard to see Lewis stepping down and taking a general manager in Cincinnati, being that Duke Tobin essentially holds that role. Tobin has also been integral in helping the Bengals build seven playoff teams since 2005. I seriously doubt he and Lewis are going to share general manager duties.
This will be something to monitor when the offseason hits for both the Bengals and Browns in five weeks. I still think it’s a long shot Lewis leaves the Bengals to become a general manager within the division, let alone the Bengals’ in-state rival.