Hiring head coach Marvin Lewis may have been the smartest thing the Bengals organization has done in years, and they've rewarded him. The Bengals have Lewis a two-year contract extension after leading the Bengals to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. The extension puts him under contract until 2010. The Bengals also announced that their staff will stay in tact next season.

The Bengals finished the season at 11-5, capturing the AFC North title ahead of Pittsburgh. However, starting QB Carson Palmer got injured against the Steelers in round one of the playoffs during the first quarter with a torn ACL. The Bengals couldn't recover, and lost the game. Ironically, the Steelers went on to win the Super Bowl.

"Marvin has done a wonderful job for the football club on the field and off, and we want to reward his efforts and continue the relationship well into the future," said team owner Mike Brown.

Lewis is pleased that the rest of the staff will remain with the Bengals.

"The stability of our excellent staff will be a key as we continue building toward a world championship team," Lewis said.