FAU fired Tom Herman on Monday after the former Texas and Houston coach went just 6-16 in two seasons. The Owls haven’t been shy about making flashy signings in the past, and on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed a name that fits the bill: Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis.

Referring to the “Deion Sanders to Colorado model,” he said. NFL insider reports It turns out that Lewis is a candidate for the FAU post.

According to Bruce Feldman Athletic, Lewis wants Owls’ jobhowever, as of now, he is “not being considered as a serious candidate.” Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., the son of former Notre Dame and Kansas coach Charlie Weis, is seen as the frontrunner. Weis served as the Owls’ offensive coordinator under Lane Kiffin from 2018-19.

Lewis is expected to make a presentation to FAU about his plans for the program, Feldman said.

Comparisons to Sanders’ hiring in Colorado are natural, but there are significant differences between the two situations. Sanders began his college coaching career at Jackson State in the FCS, going 27-6 from 2020 through 2020 before taking over the Buffaloes program.

Lewis is a big name in South Florida football, but he has no previous coaching experience at the college or NFL level. Since his retirement from the NFL in 2012, he has worked primarily in media, including a stint at ESPN.