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We never thought it would happen, but the Bengals have finally parted ways with Marvin Lewis.
After 16 years, the Bengals have finally decided to part ways with their winningest head coach in franchise history.
Even though Marvin Lewis has a winning record in his 16 years as the Bengals’ head coach, he wore out his welcome years ago. Lewis lost all seven playoff games in which he appeared and led the team to three straight losing seasons to end his legacy.
For the first time since the invention of Twitter, players fans took to social media to express their surprise.
It was an enormous surprise for most fans, since the Bengals have stuck with Lewis long after it seemed his time was up. Most people were pleased with the decision, despite Lewis taking a terrible mockery of a football team and making them playoff contenders. But his legacy has soured over the last few years, so many people were happy to see the Bengals move on.
First, we have some reactions from a couple of former Bengals:
Now it’s the time when the media who were killing Marv about to start giving him A “ Swan Song” talk about how great he was in turning the Bengals around . You know it’s true
— Willie Anderson (@BigWillie7179) December 31, 2018
Sad Day in Cincinnati #TeamMarvinLewis
— Rashad Jeanty (@rashadjeanty) December 31, 2018
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) December 31, 2018
Preston Brown: Everybody in the locker room loved Marvin Lewis.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) December 31, 2018
There were more reactions from members of the media:
In addition to his 0-7 record in the playoffs, Marvin Lewis struggled on other big stages.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) December 31, 2018
He was 8-26 against the rival Steelers, including a remarkable 2-16 at home.
And he was 10-25 in primetime games.#Bengals
You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) December 31, 2018
Thanks for the fun, Marvin.
The endless Marvin Lewis era has ended in #Bengals land.
— Marc Sessler (@MarcSesslerNFL) December 31, 2018
It was time for Marvin Lewis in Cincy but I hope @Bengals fans appreciate him turning them into a perennial playoff team for a while.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) December 31, 2018
They hadn't had a winning season or made the playoffs since 1990 before Lewis took over in 2003. That's insane.
Before it got real stale, Marvin Lewis pulled off one of the most impressive rebuilding jobs of the aughts.
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) December 31, 2018
And of course, the Cincy Jungle staff had a thing or two to say:
from 1st grade to senior year in college for me
— john sheeran (@John__Sheeran) December 31, 2018
those early days in this clip man... we had fun https://t.co/2rDBh22uuY
Marvin is out w/#Bengals. While it was time, it’s a pivotal moment in franchise’s direction. Will Mike Brown trust another coach & empower him (by MB’s standards) as much or more than Marv? Does he trust himself enough to hire someone outside of “the inner circle” of Hue/Vance?
— Anthony Cosenza (@CJAnthonyCUI) December 31, 2018
Marvin Lewis should be mentioned as one of the best head coaches in franchise history -- obviously the postseason blemish will weigh against him. Either way, it was time.
— Josh Kirkendall (@Josh_Kirkendall) December 31, 2018
Marvin Lewis out and the Steelers miss the playoffs... pic.twitter.com/9q4hBVOgVy
— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) December 31, 2018
While I was on team #FireMarvin, I am still thankful for what he did for the franchise. He took the "Bungles" to the playoffs, which in itself is quite the accomplishment. He didn't win any of those games, which is in part of why I think his time was up, (cont.)
— Nick Manchester (@NickManchester9) December 31, 2018
And we have some fan reactions:
2018 has been so good to me! What a perfect end to the year. https://t.co/MSOn0jkQ0S
— Joshua (@joshbecht) December 31, 2018
Marvin Lewis has coached the Bengals for over 60% of my life. He made the team competitive when they were the league doormat and for that I’ll be grateful.
— Braden Whited (@BradenWhited) December 31, 2018
However I can’t help but think he tarnished his reputation by stringing things out as long as he did.
So it looks as though it's happening.
— Bengals UK (@WhoDey_UK) December 31, 2018
Many fans in the UK don't know a Bengals without Marvin Lewis as head coach.
We want to thank Marvin for all his work - he brought respectability back to the club and won us AFC North titles. A good man and a good coach.
It was overdue. He deserves credit for what he did to rebuild the organization from the mess they were in the 90s, but he took them as far as he could and now it's time for someone who isn't part of the Marvin Lewis coaching tree to take over (unless it's Zimmer).
— Cassius Flaggerston (@Cash_Flagg) December 31, 2018
Thankful for what he did but....... pic.twitter.com/gU9xs7Shsb
— Jonathan sheets (@jsheets85) December 31, 2018
Of course, Lewis made sure he had the last laugh.
Marvin Lewis presser delayed for a few minutes. Of course.#ClockManagement
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) December 31, 2018