One expert points to 2019 Bengals as reason Marvin Lewis deserves a job somewhere

There always can be a surprise on HC coaching carousel. I may be in minority but I believe Marvin Lewis' credentials earns him another bite at apple. His record w/ Bengals is more impressive when you factor organizational structure. How did it go without him this year?

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 7, 2020

At least one NFL expert thinks the Cincinnati Bengals might have been better off in 2019 under Marvin Lewis as opposed to Zac Taylor.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen made the above note while talking about the current head-coaching carousel, which currently includes Lewis as one of the names making the rounds.

It’s an interesting, if not unsurprising comment to make about the Bengals. Lewis indeed brought stability to the organization. Taylor’s first year was rough, to say the least, as the inexperienced coaching staff went through growing pains alongside untimely injuries.

And yet, some fans would argue the struggle under Taylor this year was better than another middling season under Lewis, especially now that it resulted in the top overall pick.

Mortensen also raised another interesting point:

You are assuming Marvin Lewis had personnel power and even game-day active power or disciplinary control. Bad assumption. Owner and president Mike Brown is a good person but he overruled Lewis on several red flag character players.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 7, 2020

Indeed, we may never fully know what Lewis had to deal with behind the scenes. But the grander point is simple: Lewis’ time with the Bengals ran its course, but he can still be a good fit as head coach elsewhere. Both can be true and probably are.