Kevin Lewis joined Furman’s football program in February of 2020 and over the last three seasons has played a key role in the solid work registered by the Paladin defensive line.
In 2022 Lewis’ ability and diligence yielded a big harvest as his front proved to be major factor in Furman’s season, which produced a 10-3 record, second round playoff appearance, and consensus FCS Top 10 final rankings. Included in the campaign, Furman’s winningest since 2005, was a run of seven consecutive victories and five straight road triumphs — the most by the program in over 30 years.
Directing the efforts of a talented group featuring a heavy rotation of up to eight players, Furman’s defensive line produced across the spectrum, helping the Paladins top the Southern Conference in scoring defense (20.5 ppg) while also excelling against the run (116.2 ypg), producing 31 sacks, and contributing to the Paladins’ FCS-best 29 turnovers gained.
Headlining the effort was the play of consensus All-SoCon nose guard Cameron Coleman, who followed the selection of defensive lineman Parker Stokes, another Lewis product, to the All-SoCon team in 2021.
Lewis joined Furman following one season at Army West Point, where he coached the Black Knights’ defensive front.
Prior to his stint at Army he served as defensive line coach at William & Mary for five years, where he mentored All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) selections each year, including All-American defensive end Mike Reilly. Honored as 2014 CAA Defensive Player of the Year, Reilly signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns following a senior campaign, when he ranked 13th nationally in sacks per game.
In addition to Reilly, two other Lewis-coached Tribe defensive linemen, tackles Jasper Coleman and Tyler Claytor, earned All-CAA honors and NFL opportunities — Coleman with the Houston Texans and Claytor with the Chicago Bears.
Defensive tackle Isaiah Stephens continued the legacy of excellence under Lewis by earning all-conference honors during the 2016-17 seasons, while junior defensive tackle Bill Murray was tabbed in 2018.
Prior to his stop in Williamsburg, Lewis served as defensive line coach at Dartmouth for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. In his second year there he helped the Big Green rank ninth nationally in scoring defense.
Lewis also coached three seasons at Richmond, where he served as the defensive line assistant for two years before being promoted to defensive line coach following the 2010 campaign. In addition to helping the Spiders post a 20-15 record, including an 11-2 mark in 2009 when Richmond reached the NCAA FCS Quarterfinals, he coached first-team All-American Martin Parker, who went on to help the New York Giants win the Super Bowl.
A 2005 graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in history, Lewis was a three-year starter who helped the Hokies win the 2004 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship and appear in four bowl games. He went on to play professionally with the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe and was invited to training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A product of Varina High School in Richmond, Va., Lewis began his coaching career at his prep alma mater in 2007.
He is married to the former Miyah Jones.
