Ray Lewis Unlikely to Become Next Head Coach at Florida Atlantic University

Despite initial reports suggesting that NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis was a strong candidate to become the next head coach at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), sources have indicated that he is unlikely to secure the position. This development comes after FAU fired its second-year coach, Tom Herman, on Monday following a 6-16 record in just under two seasons.

The speculation about Lewis emerged in the wake of ESPN‘s report that he had become a candidate for the vacant head coach job at FAU. However, as of Wednesday morning, there had been no communication between Lewis and the school, casting doubt on his candidacy.

Lewis, a legendary linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens, has no coaching experience at the collegiate level. His potential candidacy was partly attributed to the success of Deion Sanders, another NFL Hall of Famer who transitioned from limited coaching experience at the high school level to successful stints at Jackson State and now Colorado. Sanders’ success, including his current 8-2 record in his second season at Colorado, was seen as a model that could be replicated with Lewis.

FAU’s search for a new head coach is part of a broader trend, with eight FBS head coaching changes during the 2024 season, all at the Group of Five level. The university will owe Tom Herman a buyout of just over $4 million according to his contract.

While Lewis’s name has garnered significant attention due to his illustrious NFL career, which includes two Super Bowl victories and numerous accolades, his lack of coaching experience and the absence of any formal communication with FAU suggest that he is not a likely candidate for the position.