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 campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
