Pro Career: After establishing himself as a record-setting NFL defensive coordinator, Lewis was named the ninth head coach in Bengals history on Jan. 14, 2003. He is now in his fourth season, coming off a 2005 campaign in which he guided the team to the AFC North title. The Bengals gained the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoffs with an 11-5 record before losing to Pittsburgh, the eventual Super Bowl winner, in the Wild Card round.

Lewis is the only Bengals head coach not to experience a losing season. Taking over after the 2002 club had posted a franchise-worst 2-14 record, he led a pair of 8-8 finishes before breaking through to claim the division title last year.

In club history, Lewis' .551 winning percentage (27-22) trails only Forrest Gregg's .561 percentage (32-25 from 1980-83). The 2005 Bengals posted a club-record and NFL-best turnover differential of plus-24, and set a club record for the fewest sacks allowed (21).

In 2003, the Bengals were the NFL's most improved team (six-game increase), and Lewis finished second in Associated Press voting for NFL Coach of the Year while also being named Rookie Coach of the Year by Football Digest.

Prior to his arrival, Lewis was the Washington Redskins' defensive coordinator (2002), serving as assistant head coach in addition to his coordinator's role. He spent six seasons (1996-2001) as defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, a tenure that included a Super Bowl victory following the 2000 season. In the 2000 regular season, Lewis' Baltimore defense set the NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game campaign (165). Lewis' 2000 defensive unit has been widely considered as one of the best NFL defenses of all time. The 970 rushing yards allowed was the fewest in NFL history for a 16-game season. The Ravens' four shutouts were the most in the NFL since 1976. Prior to joining Baltimore, he spent four seasons (1992-95) with Pittsburgh as linebackers coach.

Background: Earned All-Big Sky Conference honors as a linebacker at Idaho State for three years (1978-1980), and saw action at quarterback and free safety. Received his bachelor's degree in physical education from Idaho State in 1981, and earned his Master's degree in athletic administration from the school in 1982. Inducted into Idaho State's Hall of Fame in 2001. Began his coaching career at Idaho State (1981-84). The team finished 12-1 during his first season and won the NCAA Division I-AA championship. Was also the linebackers coach at Long Beach State (1985-86), New Mexico (1987-89), and Pittsburgh (1990-91).

Personal: Born September 23, 1958, McDonald, Pa. Lewis and his wife, Peggy, have two children—Whitney and Marcus.