Eager not to fall behind in the college football war for quality control assistants, Tennessee has reportedly added yet another such coach to Butch Jones’ staff this offseason with the hiring of Eric Lewis.

Lewis has a strong history of coaching college, with his expertise coming in the defensive backfield. Lewis served as Georgia State’s defensive backs coach the last two seasons and also has experience as a defensive coordinator at both Weber State and Eastern Michigan. Lewis also spent two seasons in the NFL with Green Bay, serving as a defensive quality coach for the Packers.

News of Lewis’ hiring at Tennessee comes from Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports:

This has the potential to be a big hire for Tennessee, as the Vols are set to undergo multiple changes to the defensive backfield in 2017. With several promising young prospects to build around in the secondary, Tennessee should benefit from having a coach on staff that has such a proven track record coaching up defensive backs.

In his first season with Georgia State, Lewis’ unit set school records for interceptions (15) and pass breakups (57). Tennessee’s defensive backfield recorded only 11 interceptions last season. In 2009, the Eastern Michigan defense coached by Lewis led the nation in passing defense.

Lewis played defensive back for San Diego State and is the school’s all-time leader in career pass breakups. Coaching is also in Lewis’ blood, as his father is long-time NFL assistant coach Sherman Lewis.


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