Marvin Lewis’ NFL head coaching tenure came to an end following the 2018 season. He will be back on the sidelines this coming season, though, as a member of Antonio Pierce’s Raiders staff. 
The latter took on the interim HC gig in Vegas once Josh McDaniels was fired. Pierce, 45, had only started his tenure with the organization one year ago under the title of linebackers coach. That lack of experience led to him seeking out assistance from a number of veteran staffers, including Lewis. To no surprise, the opportunity to continue that relationship was a central factor in Lewis’ decision to re-join the coaching ranks.
“I think just the opportunity to really assist AP,” the longtime Bengals coach said (via NFL.com). “From the time that I first met him and had the opportunity to coach him, and then the opportunity to kind of reunite again later on at Arizona State – so kind of was in a similar role at one point there with him there as well, being in support of him, I just have been really impressed all the time with him.”
Lewis was Washington’s defensive coordinator in 2022 when he first met Pierce as a player, and the pair worked together at Arizona State during the latter’s tenure with the Sun Devils (2018-21). Pierce oversaw a strong defensive effort to close out the 2023 campaign, earning him the endorsement of a number of players before he was hired on a full-time basis. Lewis – who will hold the title of assistant head coach – will no doubt be leaned on heavily upon his return to NFL coaching.
The 65-year-old last held a non-head coaching role in the pro ranks during his one-and-done DC gig in the nation’s capital. He drew interest on the head coaching front following the end of his Bengals tenure, but instead of holding out for another opportunity in that regard Lewis has elected to reunite with Pierce as they attempt to find success during the latest chapter of their working relationship. It will be interesting to see how they fare in 2024 during a full season at the helm.
Is Hue Jackson still joining the Raiders as well? I saw a report saying that in January but nothing ever confirmed it. I know Jackson and Lewis are close.
I wasn’t a fan of Lewis as a HC, but this feels like a good match. I like AP, but he has very little experience and this type mentor/experienced DC might be exactly what AP needs to fill in the gaps.
I love it .. Adding real coaching experience to the staff, to support the young up and coming head coach.. bonus , he’s (Lewis) not a threat to steal his (AP) job if it doesn’t go right, right away ..
So Marvin Lewis will now be listed as a branch under Antonio Pierce’s “coaching tree”? That will just re-affirm my belief that the whole concept is nonsense.