Mike Brown explains why Marvin Lewis is still Cincinnati Bengals coach

Credit: Marcus Hartman

Credit: Marcus Hartman

What had been suspected is now confirmed: That late-season winning streak saved Marvin Lewis' job.

Owner Mike Brown, who rarely speaks publicly during the year, explained as much to the team website Friday afternoon:

Lewis and the team were widely expected to part ways when they're 15th season together ended in early January.

Instead, Lewis signed a new two-year contract.

Brown, who has been part of the organization since his father Paul founded it in the late 1960s, explained to team writer Geoff Hobson he saw a need for change after two losing seasons but thought Lewis the man to oversee a roster that needs supplemented rather than rebuilt.

To that end, the staff under Lewis was overhauled, including the hiring of new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Late wins were key in owner’s decision

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