Marvin Lewis out after 16 seasons as Cincinnati Bengals coach

The Bengals wrapped up a third straight losing season with a 16-13 loss to the Steelers on Sunday. The Bengals finished 2-9 after a 4-1 start to the season.

“I want to thank the Bengals’ organization, the fans and the city of Cincinnati for their support,” Lewis said in a release. “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.”

Lewis signed a two-year extension after a disappointing 2017 season when many thought he would not return.

Lewis led the Bengals to seven playoff appearances during his tenure, including five straight trips from 2011-15, but Cincinnati went 0-7 in the postseason.

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Lewis, 60, was 131-122-3 with the Bengals.

“The team is very appreciative of all that Marvin has accomplished over the past 16 years,” said Bengals President Mike Brown. “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.”

The team will begin the search for a new coach immediately and expects the process to last several weeks.