sherman lewis has died at age 83, ending a career that stretched from Michigan State stardom to 12 seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator. He moved through the CFL, the AFL and four NFL coaching stops before his final season in Washington in 2009.
Michigan State And The Heisman Vote
Lewis arrived at Michigan State as more than a football player. In 1963, he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting and won three Big Ten titles in track and field, giving him a rare college résumé that crossed sports as well as positions.
He was drafted by both the NFL and the AFL in 1964, then opened his professional playing career with the Toronto Argonauts. By 1966 and 1967, he was with the Jets, where most of his action came as a punt and kickoff returner.
From East Lansing To San Francisco
Lewis returned to Michigan State in 1969 to begin coaching after his playing career ended, and he stayed there for 13 years as an assistant. That run built the foundation for the rest of his sideline career.
Bill Walsh hired him in 1983 for the 49ers’ coaching staff, and Lewis remained in San Francisco for nine seasons. Mike Holmgren then brought him to Green Bay in 1992 as offensive coordinator, a role he held for Holmgren’s entire tenure with the Packers.
Packers, Vikings, Lions And Washington
Lewis later spent two years as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator and two years in the same job with the Lions. His final season on the sideline came in Washington in 2009, closing a coaching path that touched Michigan State, San Francisco, Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit.
For Michigan State, the Packers and the other teams on that list, his career leaves a simple record: a former All-American halfback who turned into a long-serving offensive voice and stayed in the game for decades.
