Herm Edwards reinforcing old school approach by hiring Marvin Lewis

Marvin Lewis will not be coaching this year, so he’s coming to Arizona State to join Herm Edwards as an advisor.

Herm Edwards brought an NFL pedigree to Arizona State last year, and led the Sun Devils to their first top-25 ranking since 2015 with a 7-6 record. He’s going to the NFL well for his support staff, with the Arizona Republic reporting Marvin Lewis is coming aboard with the title of Special Advisor to Sun Devil Football.

Lewis spent the past 16 seasons as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, with a franchise record 131 wins, seven playoff berths and four division titles. Before that, the 60-year old was most notably defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens from 1996-2001. He last coached college football as linebackers assistant at Pitt in 1990 and 1991.

Lewis will join linebackers coach Antonio Pierce and offensive analyst Kevin Mawae as part of the Arizona State football program with a significant NFL background.

Edwards spoke to the credibility Lewis brings with him.

"“Marvin Lewis is one of the most respected minds in our game,” Edwards said. “Whether as the winningest coach in the franchise history of the Cincinnati Bengals, or the architect of one the greatest defenses in NFL history, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, Marvin has succeeded everywhere he has been and he has done it the right way. His passion for teaching will be an incredible benefit not only for our coaches, but also for the young men we are responsible for as students and athletes."

While spending regular seasons in Cincinnati, Lewis has lived in the Phoenix area for many years. So when he did game commentary in the failed AAF, it’s not a coincidence they were in Tempe and taking a role at Arizona State is a convenient landing for a season out of coaching.

Lewis’ departure was deemed to be a mutual decision. He had one year left on his contract, so he may be getting paid some or all of what he would have made.

Joining Edwards at Arizona State allows Lewis to stay involved in football. But if he’s wanted for a coaching job after the 2019 season, he’ll be able to depart easily.