Report: Lewis close to being named Bengals' head coach

Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis is likely to accept an impending offer to become the next head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a published report.

Citing unnamed NFL sources, The Washington Post reported Friday that Lewis, who was rumored to take over as the head coach at Michigan State last month, has emerged as the leading candidate for the Bengals' job, and will take over within the next few days barring a last-minute snag in deliberations.

According to the report, the Redskins have already made plans to promote linebackers coach George Edwards to defensive coordinator to replace Lewis.

Since taking control of the Baltimore Ravens defense in 1996, Lewis has established himself as one the NFL's top coordinators. That reputation helped to net him a three-year deal worth at least $2.7 million from the Redskins this past offseason. The deal, which made Lewis the highest paid assistant coach in the NFL, included incentives that could push the total package to about $3.6 million.

In the 2000 season, Lewis guided a Baltimore defense that set records for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season (165) while leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl title.

The Bengals have also considered former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, but have all but settled on Lewis, according to the sources.

After firing Dick LeBeau following a franchise-worst 2-14 record last week, two Bengals' assistant coaches, defensive coordinator Mark Duffner and running backs coach Jim Anderson, were also interviewed.

Cincinnati is looking to have a coaching staff in place prior to next week's Senior Bowl practices in Mobile, Alabama.

01/10 16:03:25 ET