In recent years, college football programs have increasingly turned to unconventional hires for their head coaching positions, often opting for former NFL stars who may not have extensive coaching resumes. This trend has seen some notable success stories, such as Deion Sanders and Eddie George, who have both thrived in their new roles despite their limited coaching backgrounds.
Deion Sanders, known for his illustrious NFL career, had only coached at the high school level before being hired by Jackson State in 2020. His impact was immediate, leading Jackson State to prominence and later earning a move to Colorado, where he currently has the Buffaloes off to an impressive 8-2 start in his second season.
Meanwhile, at Tennessee State, Eddie George took on the head coaching job in 2021 despite never having been a head coach before. In his fourth season, George’s Tigers are 8-3, marking their most successful campaign in over a decade.
Given the success of Sanders and George, the possibility of Ray Lewis stepping into a similar role is now being considered. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is reportedly interested in bringing in the Hall of Fame linebacker as their next head coach.
Just two days after FAU announced the firing of head coach Tom Herman, the program is already evaluating potential replacements, with Lewis emerging as a surprising candidate. “Following the Deion Sanders-to-Colorado model, Hall-of-Fame linebacker Ray Lewis has emerged as a candidate to become the next head coach at Florida Atlantic University, sources tell ESPN,” Schefter tweeted on Wednesday morning.
Ray Lewis, 49, has no prior coaching experience at any level, but his decorated career as an NFL linebacker and his subsequent work as an analyst and broadcaster could provide him with a unique perspective on leading a college program.
While the idea of hiring Lewis might seem unconventional, FAU could be looking to replicate the success that other programs have found by taking a chance on a former NFL star.
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However, not everyone is convinced that Lewis is the right choice for FAU. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz contradicted Schefter’s report, stating that it is “unlikely” Lewis will be hired by the program. “There has not been communication between Lewis and the school as of Wednesday morning,” Zenitz wrote, suggesting that the rumors may be premature or even unfounded.
Ray Lewis has a notable connection to college football through his sons, both of whom played Division I football. His eldest son, Ray III, played for the University of Miami and Coastal Carolina before tragically passing away in 2023 at the age of 28. His younger son, Rayshad, played at Maryland and Utah State. Given his sons’ collegiate experiences, Lewis is no stranger to the world of college athletics, though his lack of direct coaching experience remains a potential obstacle.
Another factor that could complicate Lewis’ candidacy is his well-documented involvement in a murder trial during his playing career.
While Lewis was ultimately acquitted, the incident has followed him throughout his life, and it’s possible that some programs may be wary of the potential media scrutiny that could accompany his hiring.
For now, it’s unclear if FAU is seriously considering Lewis or if Schefter’s report is merely speculative.
The university may be exploring various options as it looks for a replacement for Herman, and Ray Lewis’ name being mentioned could simply be a trial balloon to gauge public reaction.
Whether or not this rumor materializes into a formal offer, it is evident that FAU is open to thinking outside the box in its search for a new head coach.
Only time will tell if Ray Lewis can follow in the footsteps of Deion Sanders and Eddie George and find success as a college football head coach.
For now, the prospect of Lewis on the sidelines remains an intriguing possibility, but one that comes with its own set of questions and challenges.
The coming days and weeks will reveal whether FAU is willing to take that gamble or if they will opt for a more traditional candidate to lead the program forward.
