The passing of Sherman Lewis marks the loss of a truly important coach in modern NFL history and for Packers fans, a key architect of one of the franchise’s golden eras.
As offensive coordinator under Mike Holmgren from 1992 through 1999, Lewis helped build the offensive foundation that returned the Packers to championship glory. Working alongside Holmgren and quarterbacks coach Steve Mariucci early on, Lewis played a pivotal role in developing Brett Favre from a wildly talented gunslinger into an MVP and Super Bowl-winning quarterback. His offenses consistently ranked among the league’s best, blending explosive passing concepts with disciplined execution and helping deliver the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown in Super Bowl XXXI.
Lewis was widely respected as one of the sharpest offensive minds in football, which makes the fact that he never received a legitimate opportunity to be an NFL head coach all the more frustrating. Mike Holmgren publicly advocated for Lewis to get his shot, but the opportunity never came. Lewis handled that disappointment with grace, but history should remember the truth that the NFL missed out by never giving him a top job he so clearly earned.
In his post-Packers days, Lewis was offensive coordinator with Minnesota which ranked fifth in total offense and scoring during his tenure. He also spent two years in Detroit as offensive coordinator and was an assistant in Washington in 2009.
In 2023, the Pro Football Hall of Fame honored Lewis and gave him an Award of Excellence.