Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis is reportedly being considered for the head coaching position at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), according to ESPN.
FAU recently parted ways with head coach Tom Herman after two seasons and a disappointing 6-16 record. The Owls have struggled this season, losing their last five games and remaining winless in the American Athletic Conference with an 0-6 record.
With Herman’s departure, former tight ends coach Chad Lunsford has stepped in as interim head coach for the remaining two games against Charlotte and Tulsa. It is unclear if Lunsford, who previously served as head coach at Georgia Southern from 2017-2021, will be a contender for the permanent position.
Ray Lewis, 49, has a decorated football career, having played for the University of Miami before spending 17 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. During his career, Lewis won two Super Bowl titles, earned a Super Bowl MVP award, claimed two NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was named a first-team All-Pro seven times.
Since retiring, Lewis has worked as an NFL analyst for ESPN and FOX. His potential move into college coaching reflects a growing trend of former NFL stars taking on leadership roles in college football programs. This trend has been notably successful with Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders at the University of Colorado, where the Buffaloes are currently ranked No. 16 in the College Football Playoff standings with an 8-2 record.
Although Lewis has no previous coaching experience, his credentials as one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers may make him an attractive candidate for FAU. However, the position comes with its challenges, as the last five head coaches at FAU have all had brief tenures, with only Lane Kiffin leaving the program voluntarily in 2019 to become head coach at Ole Miss.
As the Owls look for a new leader, Lewis’ name is among those being considered for the tough task of turning the program around.
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