The NFL world is mourning the loss of former New York Jets running back and four-time Super Bowl-winning coach Sherman Lewis, who has passed away at the age of 83.
Tributes from Michigan State
Lewis' death was confirmed by Michigan State University, where he was an All-American running back in 1963 before transitioning to the NFL. A cause of death has not yet been revealed, but tributes are pouring in for the man who recently received an Award of Excellence from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sherman Lewis,' a Michigan State spokesperson wrote in a statement. 'Lewis, a first-team All-American in 1963, served as an assistant coach at MSU before a decorated NFL coaching career that included four Super Bowl titles. We send our deepest condolences to the Lewis family.'
Playing Career
Lewis was selected in both the NFL and AFL Drafts in 1964 and played for just one NFL team during his career: the New York Jets in 1966 and 1967. However, it was in his post-playing career that he achieved the most success, winning four Super Bowl titles as a coach.
Coaching Success with 49ers and Packers
Lewis spent seven years, between 1983 and 1990, as the running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers under Bill Walsh, winning the Super Bowl in 1985, 1988, and 1990. After leaving the Bay Area, he became offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers for eight seasons under Mike Holmgren, and it was there that he picked up a fourth ring. The Packers beat the New England Patriots in January 1997 to mark their third Super Bowl victory and Lewis' fourth as an assistant coach.
Reflections on Missed Head Coaching Opportunity
A disappointing aspect of his career was that he never had the chance to become a head coach, something he spoke about in various interviews. In 2015, he reflected: 'We won Super Bowls in San Francisco and one in Green Bay. And I got to work with some great coaches and players. No question I wished I had the chance to be a head coach. But looking back, I did all I could. I was disappointed, but I'm not going to hang my hat on that. I had a great career and was fortunate to coach in the NFL.'
Final NFL Role and Tributes
Lewis' final role in the NFL came in 2009 when he worked as an offensive consultant for the Washington Commanders, even calling plays after head coach Jim Zorn was stripped of those duties. On social media, tributes poured in from fans. One wrote: 'What a great man and coach. I grew up down street from Lewis. RIP Coach. Condolences Kip and family.' Another added: 'I didn't know that he was a Heisman finalist, but I remember him as an assistant coach. Because he came up in the era before the Rooney Rule, he never got an opportunity to be a head coach.'
