Marvin Lewis was named AP Coach of the Year for 2009.

Lewis earned 20.5 votes surpassing 11.5 for the Saints’ Sean Payton and 9 for the Chargers’ Norv Turner.

Lewis led his team to the head of the AFC North with a 10-6 record despite a season marred by emotional difficulties. These included the death of receiver Chris Henry and the death of the wife of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

The Bengals have only won two AFC North titles since 1990, both of which were under Lewis. Lewis also led a turnaround year from a 4-11-1 record in 2008.