Former NFL head coach Marvin Lewis James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis wants to return to NFL sidelines

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/22/22

Former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis last patrolled an NFL sideline in 2018, but the 64-year-old told ESPN's Adam Schefter this week that he still has the itch.

Appearing on Schefter's podcast, Lewis said he "one hundred percent" has the desire to coach again.

"I really do have the drive, have the fire. The energy to do it," Lewis said.

Former Bengals' HC Marvin Lewis said this week that he would like another chance to be an NFL head coach again, and he believes he would be better for it.

https://t.co/MAbMyT1sJm pic.twitter.com/6TNKdWvSPD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 21, 2022

While some might argue Lewis stuck around in Cincy too long, there's no debating his track record after 16 seasons with the Bengals, despite the lack of a playoff victory.

Lewis left Cincinnati as the winningest head coach in the franchise's history, going 131-122-3 overall. Under Lewis, the Bengals qualified for the postseason seven times, winning the AFC North in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2015.

With the possibility of a few head coaching spots opening up this offseason, a team could do worse than Lewis.

Lewis has an extensive coaching history, spending ten years in the college ranks before landing his first NFL gig as linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992. Following stops with the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins as defensive coordinator, the Bengals hired Lewis as head coach ahead of the 2003 season.

After mutually parting ways with the Bengals following the 2018 season, Lewis has worked with Arizona State University as co-defensive coordinator and special advisor.

Lewis was a candidate for head coaching vacancies with the Detroit Lions and New York Jets two seasons ago. Ultimately, the Jets hired Robert Saleh, while the Lions went with Dan Campbell.

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