Vanderbilt assistant Osia Lewis reveals cancer diagnosis, Derek Mason addresses role on staff
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Vanderbilt outside linebackers coach Osia Lewis has revealed that he was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, a form of liver cancer.
“Emotionally, I was kind of numb for about two or three days,” Lewis told Vanderbilt reporter Zac Ellis. “I just didn’t have anything to say. I didn’t cry, nothing – it was just nothing.”
The 54-year old assistant will be stepping away from his on-field duties for the 2017 season. Commodores coach Derek Mason, a friend of Lewis’ since they were teenagers, plans to keep Lewis on staff as chief consultant to the head coach and senior defensive assistant, which do not include on-field responsibilities.
“Osia is family,” Mason said. “Some people run from these things, but we’ve chosen to run to it. I believe Osia and Darlene, with what they’ve poured into this program, their journey is a testament to what it means to be family. They’ve given everything they have to this program, moving from San Diego to Nashville because I asked them to. I truly believe it’s important for us to take the journey with them. That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
Lewis remains committed to supporting the players.
“I’ll just be a cheerleader for our guys, like a dad,” Lewis said. “But as soon as I’m ready to go, I’ll be back.”
Mason will announce a replacement on-field assistant at a later date.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
