Florida Atlantic University seems to be keeping any potential interest in Ray Lewis as a candidate for head football coach under wraps. On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Lewis had surfaced as a contender for the FAU position following the dismissal of head coach Tom Herman. However, shortly thereafter, other sources began to contradict this claim.
Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger cited insiders connected to the FAU search, suggesting that the likelihood of Lewis taking charge of the Owls’ program is “not happening.” Additionally, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports mentioned there has been no direct communication between FAU officials and Lewis, labeling the prospect of him landing the role as “highly unlikely.” This scenario places Schefter, a prominent correspondent in sports journalism, in a rare situation where his information contradicts other reports.
The complexity of the situation is heightened by Ray Lewis’s multifaceted legacy as an NFL icon and Hall of Famer. While he is celebrated as one of the greatest linebackers ever, his reputation is shadowed by his involvement in a 2000 murder trial in Atlanta, where he faced initial charges related to the deaths of two men. These charges were ultimately dropped in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser charge of obstruction of justice.
FAU may have shown some level of interest in Lewis; however, given his controversial past, the school might be hesitant to disclose any such information. Alternatively, it’s possible that Lewis’s name arose in speculative discussions without any substantial progress toward recruitment. Nevertheless, all signs indicate that Lewis is unlikely to play a significant role in the coaching dialogue.
For now, it appears FAU will adopt a more discreet strategy—one that sidelines the attention and scrutiny that a decision to hire Ray Lewis would inevitably attract.
Image Source: Ray Lewis @ Instagram
