The Cincinnati Bengals signed coach Marvin Lewis to a contract extension through the 2015 season, the team announced Friday.
The Bengals went 11-5 and won the AFC North Division last year but lost to the San Diego Chargers in the opening round of the playoffs. The Bengals are one of five teams to make the playoffs three straight years and one of just six to reach the postseason four times in the last five years.
“Marvin has earned this commitment for the job he is doing,” team president Mike Brown said in a statement. “We are one of only five teams to qualify for the playoffs the last three years, and our prospects are bright looking ahead. Marvin is driven to achieve more, and we are happy to secure his leadership of our team beyond the coming season.”
Cincinnati finished in the top 10 in the NFL in net defense (third), rush defense (fifth), pass defense (fifth), scoring (tied for sixth), scoring defense (tied for fifth), pass offense (eighth), net offense (10th), defensive third-down efficiency (second) and fewest sacks allowed per passing play (third).
“I’m blessed to continue to do a job I love here in Cincinnati, and with the Bengals organization,” Lewis said. “I truly appreciate the commitment by our management to continue to enable us to build an NFL championship team.”
In 11 seasons as the Bengals’ coach, Lewis is 90-85-1 in the regular season but 0-5 in the playoffs. His 90 career victories are the most in Bengals history. Sam Wyche is next on the list with 64.