Bengals’ Marvin Lewis Ready To Roll Without Contract Extension

Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reacts during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis reacts during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

With no contract extension in place, the Bengals’ Marvin Lewis doesn’t seem anxious. The urgency of the new season hasn’t frazzled the 15-year coach.

When it comes to Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals, it’s a love-hate relationship for fans. If surveyed, most would love the franchise and despise the head coach. But, like it or not, Lewis is preparing for the 2017 season with the same fervor and passion. The only thing missing is a contract extension. It’s almost time for NCAA March Madness and there’s still no new deal. Fear not, Lewis lovers. Last year’s extension didn’t come until early April, according to NFL.com.

In essence, there could be a talk between the two sides anytime between now and the start of training camp. Of course, Lewis would like to get the contract behind him. But, that isn’t causing a major meltdown…so far. To put things in perspective, Lewis’ 2016 contract was his “third straight” one-year deal. If it isn’t a sign that Marvelous Marv may be thinking about retiring, it could reflect a new attitude from Brown. The common consensus is one that never dies. How does Lewis keep his job while going 0-7 in the playoffs?

To calmly quote a wise old owl (without crunching on a Tootsie Pop)…the world may never know. Lewis has been able to keep a calm demeanor. But, he wants the matter resolved to help ease the minds of those working around him. Coaches become a close-knit family, during the ups and downs of a 16-game season. Combine that with the time spent in War Rooms and developing similar philosophies, losing Lewis could have an impact.  

"“I don’t think it’s critical or crucial,” Lewis explained via, Bengals.com. “If things work out we would look to do that.”"

Lewis Has To Bring The Noise In 2017 

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The tone for the Bengals season is simple. There has to be an instant improvement from the top down. Bengals fans are looking for any small detail to get Lewis firmly on the hot seat. Another slow start combined with poor performances from players could be the nails in his coffin. But, Lewis seems to have more than nine lives when it comes to his career in the Queen City.

The Bengals’ 2017 campaign needs the same attention to perfection that helped sprout Marvin Lewis’ outstanding coaching tree. Within the last three years, Hue Jackson, Mike Zimmer, Vance Joseph and Jay Gruden have taken on the mantle of head coach in the NFL. Let’s not forget Leslie Frazier. His stint with the Vikings–as head coach–was interesting.

Next: 2017 Need vs Want

"“I think some people are sometimes more at ease with that. Maybe that’s not where we need to be. Maybe that’s not the right place for us to be right now … everybody is year-to-year, right?”"

Simply put, this is it. When that extension finally arrives, it will be because the Bengals have advanced beyond the one-and-done stage. Until then, Coach Marv could be on a steady diet of one-year inkings.

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