Bengals names Lewis third Black NFL coach

Marvin Lewis has been named as the new head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Lewis becomes the third Black head coach in the league, joining Tony Dungy with the Indianapolis Colts and Herman Edwards with the New York Jets.

Lewis replaces Dick LeBeau who was fired by the Bengals after a 2-14 season, the worst in team history.

"Before you win, you have to learn how to win," Lewis said. "Or more importantly, you have to learn not to lose." The Bengals are experts at losing, going 55-137 since owner Mike Brown took control 12 years ago. They hit bottom last season, drawing the three smallest crowds in the history of Paul Brown Stadium.

Although Brown detests change, he knew he had to do something to keep selling tickets. Brown broke with his pattern of promoting from within, and he hired the team's first black head coach.

"I think we've turned over a new leaf for the Bengals," Brown said. "We are starting fresh. He has the respect of people throughout the National Football League. He sold us, and I think he will sell the people in Cincinnati."

It will be a hard sell to jaded fans. When Lewis' hiring was announced during the second half of Xavier's basketball victory over LaSalle, the crowd of 10,250 had a lukewarm response that seemed to say: It's nice, but it won't make much difference.

Lewis' hiring will please the league, which has been under pressure from a group led by Johnnie Cochran Jr. and Cyrus Mehri to hire more minorities. All 32 teams agreed last month to interview minorities when they have openings.

Lewis currently is the third black head coach in the NFL, joining Tony Dungy of Indianapolis and Herman Edwards of the New York Jets.

"The Bengals' organization deserves a great deal of credit, especially Mike Brown," Cochran and Mehri said in a statement.

Lewis will be embraced in his new city, which is still trying to heal from race riots in April 2001. Tony Perez was the last minority to run a major league team in Cincinnati, managing the Reds for 44 games in 1993. "I think this is a very positive thing for us as an organization and as a community, with the racial tension that's been going on," quarterback Jon Kitna said.

Offensive tackle Willie Anderson had urged the front office to consider a minority for a top position.