Marvin Lewis's Return Threshold

[Benton]

I think Mike is waiting for Marvin to retire on his own. Once he does, there's no question marks hanging over whoever the next coach is, who I think will be chosen by Katie. I think Mike wants her to come in with a clean slate and the freedom to choose whatever coach she feels comfortable with, without any pressure from media, fans, etc. Then if the coach is a success in the next season or two, Mike disappears and Katie takes a more prominent role (getting a little more credit for the job she's already doing). If the coach is a bomb, he says it was his fault and lets Katie pick another.