Bengals sign coach Lewis to 1-year extension

The Bengals today signed head coach Marvin Lewis to a contract extension through the 2015 season. Lewis’ former contract was to expire after 2014.

“Marvin has earned this commitment for the job he is doing,” said Bengals president Mike Brown. “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.”

The Bengals went 11-5 in 2013 and won the AFC North Division championship by two games over Pittsburgh and Baltimore. In addition to being one of five teams to make the playoffs three straight years, the Bengals are one of only six teams to reach the playoffs four times in the last five years.

“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.”

Lewis in 2014 is set to extend his Bengals-record head coaching tenure to 12 seasons. His 90 career victories are the most in Bengals history, by 26 over Sam Wyche (64). His record is 90-85-1 in the regular season and 90-90-1 including postseason.

Owner Mike Brown said about the extension: “Marvin has earned this commitment for the job he is doing. ... Marvin is driven to achieve more,and we are happy to secure his leadership of our team beyond the coming season."

In 2013, the Bengals’ numerous top 10 NFL rankings included: 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).