CU Buffs promote Damione Lewis to defensive line coach – BuffZone

Seattle Seahawks assistant defensive line coach Damione Lewis leads a drill during the NFL football team’s rookie mini camp, Friday, May 12, 2023, in Renton, Washington. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Colorado has promoted Damione Lewis to defensive line coach, replacing Sal Sunseri, who is no longer with the program.

Lewis, a former 10-year NFL veteran, was hired by head coach Deion Sanders earlier this offseason as a defensive analyst for the Buffaloes. However, Sunseri was away from the team during the offseason and Lewis took on that role during spring training.

Lewis has now officially joined the full-time coaching staff as one of the top 10 assistants, signing a two-year contract that pays him $315,000 this year and $350,000 for the second year of the deal.

From 2020-23, Lewis worked with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, where he helped coach the defensive line. In 2019, he worked at Florida International as assistant athletic director for player development and community relations.

Lewis, 46, grew up in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and played collegiately at Miami. He earned second-team All-Big East as a junior in 1999 and first-team All-Big East — as well as several All-American honors — as a senior in 2000. He collected 220 tackles and 15.5 sacks during his time at Miami.

In 2001, he was the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft, selected by the St. Louis Rams. He spent five seasons with the Rams before playing for the Carolina Panthers (2006–09), New England Patriots (offseason in 2010) and Houston Texans (2010).

During his NFL career, Lewis collected 262 tackles, 23.5 sacks and five fumble recoveries in 141 games.

Between Lewis and assistant Warren Sapp, the Buffs have a combined 23 years of NFL playing experience to work with the defensive linemen. Sapp, who played for Lewis at Miami, is a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Sunseri, 64, who has coached for nearly four decades, spent one season with the Buffaloes and was hired in March 2023.

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