Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis had little interest in having the retirement rumors gain any additional traction.
“I’ll be back in 2017,” Lewis told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Thursday morning.
Lewis is signed through next season, although owner Mike Brown has the final decision on whether the 58-year-old will return for a 15th season on Cincinnati’s sideline.
With the Bengals (5-9-1) mired in their first losing season since 2010, Lewis was left to deflect questions about a potential retirement on Wednesday.
“It’s unfortunate,” Lewis said of the reports on Wednesday. “We can talk about (Sunday’s game against) the Ravens. But if you want to talk about (the reports), talk to someone else.”
Lewis owns a 117-103-3 record as the Bengals’ head coach. He led them to seven playoff appearances – including five straight heading into this season, but is 0-7 in postseason games.
Cincinnati is eliminated from playoff contention heading into Sunday’s season finale. Lewis is the second-most tenured NFL coach behind New England’s Bill Belichick.
