The two sides expect to resolve any issues within the next 24 hours.
On Monday, Lewis told owner Mike Brown what needs to change for him to consider staying in Cincinnati, where he's had two winning records in eight seasons. The Bengals completed their worst season under Lewis, finishing 4-12 with a loss in Baltimore on Sunday.
Neither Lewis nor Brown would discuss their meeting. Brown said through a team spokesman that a resolution could come as soon as Tuesday.
Lewis wants changes in how the organization operates, including more control over roster decisions. He also has lobbied years for a covered practice field -- the Bengals are the only northern NFL team without one. Lewis turned down an extension last season, saying their differences had to be resolved before he would agree to stay.
A 13-7 loss in Baltimore on Sunday ended the final season on his contract. Brown evidently wanted to keep Lewis -- a firing would have happened quickly Monday if the owner wanted change.
"I think he wants to be back, and I think everybody wants him back," safety Chris Crockersaid. "But it's going to be a decision between him and ownership. One thing is when you lose and you don't have a good season, something changes. You don't know what's going to change."
Lewis presided over standard end-of-the-season meetings with players and his assistant coaches Monday, making sure not to tip his hand about his intentions.
"He always handles his own business and keeps it to himself," left tackle Andrew Whitworthsaid. "It really was just a normal exit meeting. He didn't really get on the subject."
The Bengals have only two winning records in the 20 years since Brown took over the team. They went 15 years between playoff appearances before Lewis led them to a division title in 2005. He was coach of the year last season for getting the Bengals to the playoffs again.
The playoff appearances were more of an anomaly, and Lewis wants to change how the front office works to get the organization on solid footing. The Bengals have never won back-to-back division titles.
In most other NFL cities, there would be no discussion of keeping a coach with two winning records in eight seasons. Lewis works for an owner who doesn't like change and was willing to offer him with an extension last year. His overall record in Cincinnati is 60-69-1.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
