Advertisement 'I didn't deliver': Marvin Lewis, Bengals part ways after 16 seasons Share Shares Copy Link Copy

After 16 seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals are getting a new head coach.The Bengals confirmed Monday that the team and Marvin Lewis have mutually decided to part ways."I want to thank the Bengals' organization, the fans and the city of Cincinnati for their support," Lewis said. "I regret I haven't been able to provide them with the No. 1 goal of being world champions. I also want to thank our players, coaches and team employees for their effort and professionalism over the past 16 years. A lot of fine people have gone through this building in that time, and the organization is better for all of them having been a part of it."The coaching staff was informed at 9:45 a.m., and Lewis made the news official during a press conference an hour later."I didn't deliver...Mike (Brown) and I both decided it's time," Lewis said.The team ended this season with a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, putting their record at 6-10. The abysmal season had many wondering about Lewis' future.It's unclear who will take the reigns moving forward in Cincinnati.The team said the search for a new coach will begin immediately. They said they anticipate the process will take several weeks.When pressed if Hue Jackson should step into a coaching position in Cincinnati, Lewis said, "I think Hue should get an opportunity to speak with the team. He is more than qualified ... I think he is an excellent coach and a great motivator. I think he deserves an opportunity."In November, the Bengals picked up Jackson, the former Cleveland Browns head coach, as a special assistant not long after he was fired by the Browns.The Bengals haven't reached the postseason since 2015.Lewis was named the ninth head coach in Bengals history on Jan. 14, 2003. His career record is 131-122-3 in regular season and 131-129-3 including postseason.His total of 131 career victories is the most in team history and ranks tied for 24th in NFL history, the Bengals said."The team is very appreciative of all that Marvin has accomplished over the past 16 years," Bengals President Mike Brown said in a statement. "Personally, I am very fond of Marvin and will miss working with him. He is a friend and a colleague, and I thank him for what he has meant to this franchise. But it is time to turn the page and look toward the next chapter for our organization, and we are excited about what the future holds for the team and our fans."Lewis had a glittery arrival in Cincinnati - he wore his diamond-encrusted Ravens Super Bowl ring to his introductory news conference - and quickly turned the Bengals into a competitive team and then a playoff team after years of languishing as a laughingstock.He couldn't win a playoff game, though.The Bengals made a club-record five straight playoff appearances from 2011-15, but lost in the first round every time, setting another NFL record for ineffectuality. His best chance was frittered away by two players who were brought to Cincinnati in spite of their history of outbursts.Leading the Steelers in the closing minutes in the 2015 playoffs at Paul Brown Stadium, Lewis' team unraveled. Jeremy Hill's fumble gave the Steelers one last chance, and Vontaze Burfict and Adam "Pacman" Jones got 15-yard penalties that set up the Steelers' field goal with 14 seconds left for an 18-16 win.It was one of the worst meltdowns in NFL playoff history. Even then, Lewis got more chances. His team never recovered. The Bengals' stretch of three straight losing seasons is the longest under his tenure, prompting Brown to finally cut ties.