Mason out, Lewis in as Bengals head coach

Former Carolina coach decides to stay close to home
By "Who Dey"

Off-Season 2160 (Cincinnati) - The new Cincinnati Bengals announced today that Jim Mason will not return as head coach for the 2160 season, citing a desire to stay near his home in Charlotte.

In his place, the relocated franchise has named Jerry Lewis, the great-great-grandson of 21st century Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, as their new head coach.

In addition to the pedigree that instantly gets him name recognition in this Midwestern town, Lewis gained the nickname 'The Nutty Professor' as the legendary offensive coordinator at the University of Florida for his often innovative and unusual play calling during his tenure there.

'After Jim decided not to make the move with us, we decided to find someone who could take us to the next level with this young team,' Bengals GM 'Trader' Lee Remley told the media when he introduced the new coach. 'We think Jerry will help us do that.'

Lewis had most recently been the head coach at the University of Pittsburgh, who he had brought back to national prominence after several down years before his arrival.

But the USAFL came calling and Lewis answered the challenge.

'There's a lot of tradition in this franchise,' Lewis said. 'Not just because my ancestor coached a team of the same name but this franchise's history as the Panthers. I look forward to bringing this city an exciting brand of football this upcoming season.'

The former Panthers made an important step last year before the move to Cincinnati. This year they are looking to make the playoffs in a tough division with Pittsburgh, Miami, Buffalo, and Baltimore.

'Nothing worth doing is easy,' the Bengals new coach says.

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