What an opportunity. What a solid-gold chance of a lifetime for Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Lewis couldn't do more for Cincinnati if he were elected mayor. If Lewis can overcome the Bengals' dark cloud of Mike Brown-ness and win some games - if he can win some games while also being engaging and popular - what fresh air that will be for our beaten-down town.

Lewis' hiring at least portends change - in the team's fortunes and national perceptions. The team perceived by every player in the league as antiquated and doddering - "The Flintstones of the NFL," as one former Bengal put it Tuesday night - will have to be seen in a brighter light.

Marvin Lewis smiles as he speaks at a news conference introducing him as the Bengals' new coach. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

Hiring a black football coach in a city known, fairly or not, for Mapplethorpe, Marge and (protest) marchers can only help the healing. At least it makes it harder to maintain the hurtful perceptions.

It was nice of the club to make the announcement in Alabama, by the way. Lot of club-seat owners in Mobile? Or are you just trying to broaden the fan base? But we digress.

Lewis' hiring will make a difference to players. We don't like to talk about race, in sports or anywhere else. But black players will tell you when their coach is also black, they feel an added responsibility to help that coach succeed. It isn't that the best players don't play hard for whoever is coaching. It just becomes more a matter of pride, and that is fine. The Bengals might even have a chance at a decent free agent.

Lewis' hiring also shows a shift in the balance of Bengals front-office power. By most accounts, Lewis was Katie and Troy Blackburn's guy. The difference between Mike Brown and his daughter and son-in-law is, Mike knows what he knows; Katie and Troy know what they don't know. It's a crucial distinction, and badly needed if the Bengals are ever to be turned around.

Katie Blackburn has seen what her father has been through. She'd have to be crazy to want to endure it herself. Hiring Lewis could be the first step in ensuring she won't have to.

This might even push some of the mud off Mike's legacy, if he's interested. He can be seen as - dare we say it? - enlightened. The NFL is going to go rockets-red-glare with this. It will pose Lewis' hiring as a sign of progress, and the Bengals will reap some good publicity for once.

Had Lewis been here instead of Mobile, here's what I'd have asked him:

How do you change the culture of losing that is so deeply ingrained here?

Did Mike Brown tell you he wants to win or compete? How did he assure you he wants to win? How will things change?

Are your eyes open to how difficult it will be to work for the Bengals?

Do you have a larger mission here, given the racial climate?

Without change in how the operation runs, hiring Lewis is half a loaf. Even the best coaches are only as good as the players they coach. The Bengals need better players, and that means more scouts, smarter scouts and a willingness occasionally to play the big-money, cash-over-salary cap, free-agent game.

You wonder why Lewis struck out in job quests at Buffalo, Carolina and Tampa Bay. You're also curious why his two most recent employers - the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins - weren't especially sorry to see him leave. Lewis' work with both team's defenses was exemplary.

Part of it might be the coaches he worked for. Brian Billick and Steve Spurrier aren't much for sharing credit. Part of it also might be Lewis' own confidence and belief in his way of doing things.

Now, let's hope he gets to do things his way. Marvin Lewis was the best man available for this job. The fact he's black would make his success here that much more important.

E-mail pdaugherty@enquirer.com

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