Marvin Lewis: Extension from Cincinnati Bengals not 'critical or crucial'

Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Rumors of his retirement seem to have faded into oblivion, but Marvin Lewis isn't too worried about a contract extension.

The Cincinnati Bengals coach told Bengals.com Monday that he doesn't "have a time frame" when asked about when he will quit coaching. Lewis and Bill Belichick are the only current coaches in the NFL who have led the same franchise for at least 15 consecutive seasons. The franchise will likely retain the coach on a year-to-year basis.

"I don't think it's critical or crucial," Lewis told Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson. "If things work out we would look to do that."

Lewis, 58, is 118-103-3 in 14 seasons with the franchise. His 0-7 playoff record is the most concerning stat of his long tenure. The Bengals had five consecutive appearances in the post season before its 2016 campaign. Lewis was the defensive coordinator for the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, a team that beat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.

The Bengals coach signed an extension with the franchise last April that has him under contract through the 2017 season.

"We'd like to agree to something at some point," Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer last month. "It puts, I think, everybody's mind at ease going forward for their futures. A lot of the people in the building, it makes it easier on them."

Lewis' team lost six games by eight points or less in 2016.