Packers legend Sherman Lewis dies at 83
Lewis helped build the offensive foundation that returned the Packers to championship glory.
By PackerAaron
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.
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Comments (12)
GreenandBold
May 17, 2026 at 03:52 pm
Sad to hear of his passing . He was a part of the greatest franchise turn arounds not only of the Packers but in league history . I remember Holmgren getting frustrated at times ands handing over the play calls to Lewis and the Packers would never miss a beat . God speed Mr. Lewis we will remember .
LeotisHarris
May 17, 2026 at 04:25 pm
Great OC. Can still see him up in the booth (did I imagine the cigar?) cooking up magic. RIP.
Starrbrite
May 17, 2026 at 05:26 pm
He was a great OC on a team with many excellent coaches. RIP!
Go Packers!!!
dobber
May 17, 2026 at 06:19 pm
My brush with Sherm: I distinctly remember in late August of '92 showing up at Brown County Golf Course for a late afternoon round of golf. When we walked up to the first tee the four in front of us was Lewis, Holmgren, and two other assistants that I can't remember. What I remember most--aside from that none of those four were a threat to go on tour--was how small Lewis looked standing next to Holmgren (if you've never been close to Holmgren, he was a big dude).
Might've been our chance to get an autograph or try to strike up a conversation, but we went out of our way to let them have their good time despite what looked like a really bad round.
Starrbrite
May 17, 2026 at 07:55 pm
Dobby—good story.
Years ago I won trip to the Packer Fantasy camp. It might have been Homlgren’s first year—maybe 2nd?
Anyway we were at a local watering hole near Lambeau following the days activities and Lewis was there with a few other coaches. I had the same reaction you did. Holmgren looked like a giant next to Lewis.
dobber
May 17, 2026 at 09:50 pm
Cheers, Starr!
stockholder
May 17, 2026 at 08:06 pm
A harsh reminder of time passing.
Starrbrite
May 18, 2026 at 05:51 pm
Very true Stock
GregC
May 17, 2026 at 08:37 pm
The article and comments got me curious about his back story, so I looked him up. He played halfback at Michigan State and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1963. He played a few years in the CFL and AFL in the 1960s. He was listed at 5' 9" and 158 pounds.
Esquetoi
May 18, 2026 at 09:16 am
Who would've ever guessed that. Wow,
Starrbrite
May 18, 2026 at 05:52 pm
Thanks Greg—that confirms his height. I was unaware of his athletic abilities.
Since'61
May 17, 2026 at 08:41 pm
Sad to hear this news. He was a great OC for the Packers. RIP Sherm Lewis. Thanks, Since '61