After serving as a linebackers coach at the college level, Marvin Lewis interned for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. He was then hired as a linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1996, Lewis was hired to be the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2001 due in large part to Lewis' defense that allowed only 970 rushing yards and 165 points in 16 games.

Lewis was hired as head coach of the Bengals in 2003 after the team posted a franchise worst 3-13 record under Dick LeBeau. In Lewis' first two seasons, the Bengals finished 8-8. In 2005, the team went 11-5 for their first winning season and playoff appearance in 15 years. The Bengals would lose their first round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers after quarterback Carson Palmer was injured on the Bengals second offensive play. Since the playoff loss, the Bengals have posted records of 8-8 in 2006 and 7-9 in 2007.

1. 1992-1995: Pittsburgh Steelers (linebackers coach)
2. 1996-2001: Baltimore Ravens (defensive coordinator)
3. 2002: Washington Redskins (defensive coordinator)
4. 2003-Present: Cincinnati Bengals (head coach)