WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Marvin Lewis, who was rejected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their potential head coach and who said 24 hours earlier that he would remain as defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, has decided to join the Washington Redskins.
The Redskins have called an afternoon news conference Monday to introduce Lewis as their new defensive coordinator.
Terms were not disclosed, but there reports in Washington that the Redskins, seeking a top-flight defensive coordinator to work under new offensive-minded coach Steve Spurrier, will sign Lewis to a three-year deal worth $850,000 annually. Incentives could push the yearly income to $1 million.
Lewis changed his mind after apparently reaching an agreement in principle on Saturday to remain with the Ravens.
Lewis has been in Baltimore for the last six years and is best known for running a defense that set the NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season in 2000.
It was believed that Lewis was going to get his first head coaching job when Buccaneers general manager Rich McKay recommended him as the best choice after the team failed to land Bill Parcells and Jon Gruden.
But McKay's pursuit of Lewis was rejected by vice presidents Joel, Ed and Bryan Glazer, the sons of Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer.
Lewis interviewed for the Buffalo Bills' job that went to Gregg Williams last year after the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV. Last month, he interviewed for the Carolina Panthers job that was given to New York Giants defensive coordinator John Fox.
Lewis has been coaching for 21 season, beginning in 1981 as linebackers coach at Idaho State. He jumped to the NFL in 1990 as outside linebackers coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
