Sherman Lewis

Sherman Lewis grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where he attended DuPont Manual High School and emerged as a standout multi-sport athlete. Excelling in football, basketball, and track and field, Lewis earned All-State honors in football his senior year, showcasing the explosive speed and agility that made him a game-changer on the field.

His athletic talents led him to Michigan State University, where he starred in both football and track and field, eventually serving as captain of both teams. In track, he captured Big Ten titles in the long jump and 300-yard dash. On the football field, Lewis became one of the most electrifying players in college football as a halfback in Michigan State’s potent option offense. He earned consensus All-America honors in 1963 and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting, a rare achievement for a non-quarterback. He finished his Spartan playing career with 1,566 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns.

Despite his stellar college career, Lewis wasn’t selected until the ninth round of the 1964 AFL Draft by the New York Jets. Opting not to sign immediately, he spent a season with the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League before joining the Jets, where he appeared in 10 games over two seasons. Following his brief playing career, Lewis quickly transitioned into coaching—a decision that would shape the next four decades of his life.

Lewis began his coaching journey at his alma mater, Michigan State, serving on the staff from 1969 to 1982. There, he recruited and developed players, earning a reputation as a smart, adaptable, and inspiring leader. His work caught the attention of the NFL, and in 1983, he joined the San Francisco 49ers under head coach Bill Walsh.

During his time in San Francisco, Lewis helped engineer one of the most dominant dynasties in league history. As running backs coach, and later offensive coordinator, he worked alongside legends like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Roger Craig. His innovative schemes and calm leadership helped guide the 49ers to three Super Bowl championships—XIX, XXIII, and XXIV—cementing his status as one of the game’s premier offensive minds.

Lewis went on to serve as offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers under head coach Mike Holmgren, overseeing an explosive offense led by Brett Favre. Under Lewis’s guidance, the Packers appeared in two Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl XXXI in 1997. His time in Green Bay further solidified his legacy as one of the most respected coordinators of his era.

After leaving Green Bay, he was the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings and then the Detroit Lions. After retiring from the Lions in 2004, Lewis returned to the NFL in 2009 as an offensive consultant for Washington. Midseason, he was named offensive play-caller—an unusual and historic move that reflected the respect he commanded across the league. He finally fully retired from football after the 2009 season.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Lewis was a mentor and pioneer. As one of the NFL’s first Black offensive coordinators, he opened doors for future generations of minority coaches and executives. Known for his humility and integrity, he cared deeply about the players he coached and the game he loved.

Headshot image from Alchetron, the free social encyclopedia.  Biography by Grace Frericks.