Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl Champion OC Passes Away At 83
The Green Bay Packers community is mourning the loss of longtime NFL assistant and former offensive coordinator Sherman Lewis, who died this week at the age of 83. Lewis spent more than four decades in football, leaving a lasting impact on every organization he touched — and Green Bay was no exception.
Sherman Lewis coached in Green Bay from 1992 to 1999, serving as offensive coordinator during the Brett Favre era and helping guide the Packers to back‑to‑back Super Bowl appearances, including their victory in Super Bowl XXXI. His influence on the team’s offensive identity during the 1990s remains one of the most respected chapters in franchise history.
A Respected Voice for the Green Bay Packers
Lewis arrived in Green Bay as part of Mike Holmgren’s staff and quickly became a trusted offensive mind. He played a key role in developing Favre, shaping the West Coast offense the Packers became known for, and helping elevate the team into a perennial contender.
During his tenure, the Packers consistently ranked among the league’s most efficient and explosive offenses. Players often credited Lewis for his calm demeanor, sharp football IQ, and ability to connect with everyone in the building.
His work helped set the foundation for one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.
A Coaching Career That Spanned Generations
Before joining the Packers, Lewis built an impressive résumé:
- Longtime assistant under Bill Walsh with the 49ers
- Part of multiple Super Bowl–winning staffs in San Francisco
- Former All‑American running back at Michigan State
- Member of the College Football Hall of Fame
After leaving Green Bay, he continued coaching with the Vikings and Lions before briefly returning to the NFL in 2009 to call plays for Washington.
Lewis was widely regarded as one of the most respected assistants of his era — a coach players trusted and fellow coaches leaned on.
Remembered as a Pioneer and Mentor
Beyond the wins and championships, Lewis is being remembered as a trailblazer. He was one of the early Black coordinators in the NFL, carving out a path during a time when opportunities were far more limited. Many coaches who worked with him have spoken over the years about how much they learned from his leadership and professionalism.
His legacy stretches far beyond the sideline. It lives on in the players he developed, the coaches he influenced, and the teams he helped shape.
A Lasting Impact in Green Bay
For Packers fans, Sherman Lewis will always be tied to an unforgettable era — one defined by Favre’s rise, Holmgren’s leadership, and a return to championship football. His fingerprints are all over that success.
Lewis leaves behind a legacy of excellence, humility, and innovation. And in Green Bay, he’ll be remembered as one of the key architects of a championship team and a beloved figure in franchise history.
