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Could 2015 Be Marvin Lewis’ Make or Break Year?

By Tyler Mercurio

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Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reacts in the first half against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

"“I hope that relationship goes forward into the future. But we aren’t at the future yet. We don’t have to make this decision until after this year.”"

At this point, surly everyone in Cincinnati has heard or read this statement from Cincinnati Bengals owner Mike Brown. Before this goes any further, it should be noted that there is more to this quote, before and after this statement. The rest of the quote is up for interpretation, but it is noteworthy to mention that Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis is going into what is known as the “lame duck” year.

If Brown holds true to his word, this will be the longest Lewis has had to wait for an extension in some time.

  • July 24th, 2012 – Lewis signed a two-year extension that would allow him to coach the team through the 2014 season. He still had the 2012 season under contract before the negotiations.
  • March 14th, 2014 – Lewis signed a one-year extension to keep him under control through the 2015 season. He was currently under contract for the 2014 season.

Waiting until after the season gives Mike Brown a very small window to either extend Lewis or let him walk. The possibility that defensive backs coach Vance Joseph may be in line for the throne still stands.

Couple the statement from Brown about waiting until the end of the 2015 season to extend or part ways with Lewis along with this quote below, and there is a very big possibility that this IS the make or break year that many Cincinnati fans have been clamoring for since 2010.

"“We know full well we haven’t won a playoff game. People seem to think we are unaware of it. We aren’t. We want to get to the playoffs again and that’s very difficult. We are going to strive to do that. That’s where our focus is going to be. If we get another crack at it everyone in this organization wants to win when we do that.”"

Lewis’ Current Resume

  • 0-6 in the Playoffs
  • Lost a Total of 29 Games between 2008-2010
  • Most Wins in Cincinnati History
  • Longest Tenured Coach in Cincinnati History
  • Third Best Winning Percentage in Cincinnati History

Next: 2015 Draft: Bengals' Tight End Options

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