Redskins hire Sherm Lewis as consultant

The Redskins have hired Sherm Lewis, former offensive coordinator for the Packers, Vikings, and Lions, as an offensive consultant.

He has been out of football since 2004.

While with the Packers he worked under Mike Holmgren and that appears to be the connection that was the key nere.

This is per a tweet by Larry Weisman of the Redskins.

Edit: The Redskins’ press release is after the jump:

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – The Washington Redskins announced today that they have hired longtime NFL assistant coach Sherman Lewis as an offensive consultant. Lewis, a 22-year NFL coaching veteran, brings a history of success and a vast knowledge of the West Coast Offense, in addition to four Super Bowl rings.

“Sherm Lewis is an outstanding coach who has been an instrumental member of four Super Bowl championship teams,” Redskins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato said. “Sherm’s history started with the innovator of the West Coast Offense, Bill Walsh, and over the past two decades he has directed some of the best offenses, and coached and developed some of the league’s premier players. He has a diverse NFL background, having coached running backs, wide receivers, and serving as a coordinator.  Jim and Sherman share a common bond in that they both worked for Mike Holmgren at different times in their careers. Sherman’s overall experience and expertise will be a tremendous addition to our coaching staff.  His track record humbles us all.”

“We’re happy to have Sherm’s set of eyes and voice to help us as we continue to find ways to create success on offense,” Head Coach Jim Zorn said. “I am excited to have him on the staff and welcome his input.”

Lewis last served as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions under Head Coach Steve Mariucci in 2004. Prior to going to Detroit in 2002 as a special offensive assistant, Lewis was the Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator for two seasons (2000-01). With Lewis directing the offense in 2000, the Vikings’ advanced to the NFC Championship Game with first-year starter Daunte Culpepper at quarterback. Culpepper was a Pro Bowl starter following the season after completing 297-of-494 passes for 3,937 yards and 33 touchdowns, for a passer rating of 98.0. In addition to a passing attack that featured Culpepper, Cris Carter and Randy Moss, Minnesota running back Robert Smith led the NFC in rushing in 2000 with 1,521 yards.

“The Redskins contacted me and told me they wanted a fresh set of eyes, and I intend to provide just that,” Lewis said. “I am grateful to join this offensive team and an organization with such a great tradition.  I am looking forward to working with Jim Zorn, Sherman Smith, Joe Bugel and the rest of the coaching staff.”

Before Lewis’ stint with the Vikings, he was the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator from 1992-1999, including their Super Bowl championship season of 1996. In his eight years in Green Bay, the Packers never had a losing season, made the playoffs six times, earned three NFC Central division titles, claimed two NFC championships and won Super Bowl XXXI. Seven different offensive players, including Brett Favre and Sterling Sharpe, made a combined 15 Pro Bowl appearances during Lewis’ tenure in Green Bay.

Lewis began his NFL coaching career in San Francisco.  As the 49ers’ running backs coach from 1983-88, Lewis tutored the likes of All-Pro Roger Craig and Tom Rathman. As a wide receivers coach from 1989-91, Lewis helped his pupils, Jerry Rice and John Taylor, mesh with Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana to form one of the most potent passing combinations in NFL history. The 49ers won three Super Bowls during Lewis’ time in San Francisco.

Prior to his professional coaching career, Lewis spent 14 years (1969-82) at Michigan State, his alma mater, coaching various positions on both sides of the football. As a player for the Spartans, Lewis was an All-American halfback and finished third in the 1963 Heisman Trophy balloting.