BREAKING NEWS: “I am coming back to revive the team and see us win again,” Says Marvin Lewis as He Returns to Bengals as New Bench Coach
NBC News Report – December 29, 2024
In an unexpected and thrilling announcement, Marvin Lewis, the former long-time head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, is returning to the franchise as a bench coach, a role that could provide a much-needed boost to the Bengals’ coaching staff and their quest for future success. Lewis, who spent 16 years as the head coach of the Bengals from 2003 to 2018, made the announcement today in a heartfelt statement, pledging to help revive the team and return it to the top of the NFL.
“I am coming back to revive the team and see us win again,” Lewis said during a press conference held at Paycor Stadium. “The Bengals have always been in my heart, and now, I want to be part of this new era. We have the talent, we have the potential, and I believe we can get back to the Super Bowl and win it. I’m here to help make that happen.”
Lewis’s decision to return to the Bengals comes as a surprise to many in the NFL, especially after his departure from the team in 2018 following a long tenure that included seven playoff appearances, but no postseason victories. Despite never winning a playoff game, Lewis was highly respected for his leadership and ability to stabilize a franchise that had been in disarray before his arrival.
During his tenure as head coach, Lewis built the Bengals into a consistent contender in the AFC North, particularly during the 2000s and early 2010s. While his playoff shortcomings became a source of frustration for Bengals fans, his contributions to the team were undeniable, and he was often praised for his player development and strong relationships with his players.
The return of Lewis as a bench coach is a move that many insiders believe could prove instrumental for the Bengals, especially given the team’s success in recent years. After years of rebuilding, the Bengals have emerged as one of the top teams in the AFC under head coach Zac Taylor, with quarterback Joe Burrow leading the way. In 2021, the Bengals reached the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years, and with a talented roster, they are poised for further success in the years to come.
In his new role, Lewis will work closely with both Taylor and the Bengals’ coaching staff, providing his wealth of experience and expertise to help the team develop and fine-tune its approach. Lewis will be particularly involved in the defensive side of the ball, where his defensive coaching roots can make an immediate impact. Known for his defensive acumen, Lewis served as a defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens before taking the head coaching job with the Bengals.
The announcement was made in collaboration with Bengals owner Mike Brown, who expressed his excitement about having Lewis return to the organization.
“Marvin Lewis is a key part of the history of this franchise, and we are thrilled to welcome him back to help guide this team to even greater heights,” Brown said in a statement. “His leadership, experience, and knowledge are invaluable assets that will contribute to the continued success of the Bengals. We are excited about what he will bring to this coaching staff and look forward to working alongside him.”
Bengals fans have reacted positively to the news of Lewis’s return, many expressing hope that his presence will help guide the team back to the top of the NFL. The Bengals’ defense, in particular, has been an area of focus for improvement, and Lewis’s expertise could provide the necessary adjustments to ensure they remain competitive.
As the Bengals prepare for the next phase of their journey, the addition of Marvin Lewis as a bench coach marks a significant moment in the franchise’s history. With a mixture of youthful talent and veteran leadership, including the return of Lewis, Cincinnati is looking forward to a bright future in the pursuit of its first Super Bowl victory.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Bengals’ 2024 season unfolds with Marvin Lewis back on board.
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