I’ll preface this by saying that I hope the Brain Trust is smarter than this. The rumors are out in full force in Cincinnati and Baltimore that Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis could interview for the Ravens HC position.

I’m against this for a bevy of reasons. Here are a few:

• Marvin Lewis has enough trouble controlling the players on his own team. We need a hard-ass coach, not Lewis.
• Much like the prospects of the 2008 election, it’s time for some fresh blood. Let’s not keep picking up apples that fall from the Billick coaching tree.
• Regardless of the amount of success (or lack thereof) Lewis achieved in Cincinnati during his tenure as head coach, he is not worth draft pick compensation. With 3 years left on his contract in Cincinnati, that’s exactly what it would take to pry him away from the Bengals. Ozzie Newsome’s success has come from building the team through the draft - picks are precious commodities.
• Mike Preston and I are like oil and water — and he appears to really enjoy the idea of bringing Lewis on board. Therefore, I’m not. (Just kidding, Mike)

What do you think? Is Marvin Lewis worth a look? Is he worth the draft pick that the Ravens would most likely have to give up? For historical context, Herm Edwards was “traded” to the Kansas City Chiefs from the Jets for a 4th round pick in 2006 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picked up Jon Gruden from the Raiders for $8M in compensation and 4 draft picks (two first round, two second round).