Sherman Lewis Dies at 83, MSU Legend Won 4 Super Bowls in NFL Coaching Career with 49ers, Packers

Michigan State announced Saturday that former halfback and assistant coach Sherman Lewis died at the age of 83.

Lewis was a first-team All-American in 1963, and his 880 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns were enough to earn him a third-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting.

The Louisville, Kentucky, native began his coaching career in 1969 at his alma mater. His journey on the sideline included an nine-year spell with the San Francisco 49ers and an eight-year run with the Green Bay Packers.

Between those two stops, Lewis earned four Super Bowl rings.

Lewis specialized on the offensive side. He coached running backs and then wide receivers with the 49ers before the Packers gave him his first crack as an offensive coordinator.

Starting in 1994, Green Bay went six straight years finishing in the top 10 in both yards and points.

The trend continued into the 2000 season, when Lewis left for the OC role with the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota ranked fifth in total offense and scoring, with Daunte Culpepper, Robert Smith, Randy Moss and Cris Carter all making the Pro Bowl.

Lewis also spent two years as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator and was an assistant for the Washington Commanders in 2009.

In June 2023, the Pro Football Hall of Fame honored Lewis and gave him an Award of Excellence.