The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Dilfer Adds Former Alabama State DC Ryan Lewis Sr. to Defensive Staff
12/23/2024 1:43:00 PM | Football
BIRMINGHAM – UAB Football Head Coach Trent Dilfer has added former Alabama State Defensive Coordinator Ryan Lewis Sr. to his staff as a defensive assistant.
Lewis Sr. spent the last three seasons leading a Hornets defense that ranked top 15 nationally in total defense every season under his direction, including back-to-back years of finishing No. 3 nationally in total defense.
"We are extremely excited to add the type of high-caliber coach and recruiter like Ryan Lewis Sr. to our staff," Dilfer said. "He has guided Alabama State's defense to incredible results, and he will provide immediate value as we build a defense here at UAB that can help us compete for championships. He has a tremendous recruiting reputation and will help us attract a type of athlete our fans and institution will be proud of."
Along with ranking third in total defense in 2024, Alabama State also had top 10 national ranks in rushing defense (8th), passing yards allowed (7th), team passing efficiency defense (7th), scoring defense (4th), first down defense (4th) and fourth down defense (5th).
The 2024 ASU defense followed a 2023 performance in which they were 2nd in the FCS in scoring defense (14.5) and 9th in rushing defense (100.9).
Prior to Alabama State, Lewis Sr. was the special team coordinator and linebackers coach at Bethune-Cookman and before that was the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Division II Edwards Waters College in Jacksonville, Fla.
Lewis Sr. began his coaching career working in camps for the Miami Dolphins then became a graduate assistant at his alma mater of Bethune-Cookman in 2014.
One of BCU's most noted players of the decade, Lewis was recognized as MEAC Preseason Player of The Year and one of the Top 10 linebackers by The Sports Network, and named a Preseason Second Team FCS All-American in 2011. He finished his senior season with 42 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and a team-high tying four interceptions and five deflections. He also forced three fumbles on the campaign.
In 2010, Lewis was a captain of a defense that ranked fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense (93.97), 15th in scoring defense (19.0 PPG), 25th in pass defense (174.9 YPG) and aided the team in ranking first overall in turnover margin (+2.25). Lewis' stingy defensive play proved key in BCU's 10-1 regular season record, leading the Wildcats to the MEAC crown and first NCAA FCS Playoff appearance since 2003.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join an outstanding staff and organization," Lewis Sr. said. "I can't wait to get to work with Coach Dilfer, Coach Russ, and Blazer Nation. I know for a fact we will fly around and make a lot of plays this upcoming season, and I'm looking forward to working on perfecting the process on a daily basis as a team."
A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, Lewis earned his degree from Bethune-Cookman in 2012, majoring in Physical Education, and earned a Master's Degree from Bethune-Cookman in 2015, majoring in Transformative Leadership.
Lewis Sr. spent the last three seasons leading a Hornets defense that ranked top 15 nationally in total defense every season under his direction, including back-to-back years of finishing No. 3 nationally in total defense.
"We are extremely excited to add the type of high-caliber coach and recruiter like Ryan Lewis Sr. to our staff," Dilfer said. "He has guided Alabama State's defense to incredible results, and he will provide immediate value as we build a defense here at UAB that can help us compete for championships. He has a tremendous recruiting reputation and will help us attract a type of athlete our fans and institution will be proud of."
Along with ranking third in total defense in 2024, Alabama State also had top 10 national ranks in rushing defense (8th), passing yards allowed (7th), team passing efficiency defense (7th), scoring defense (4th), first down defense (4th) and fourth down defense (5th).
The 2024 ASU defense followed a 2023 performance in which they were 2nd in the FCS in scoring defense (14.5) and 9th in rushing defense (100.9).
Prior to Alabama State, Lewis Sr. was the special team coordinator and linebackers coach at Bethune-Cookman and before that was the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Division II Edwards Waters College in Jacksonville, Fla.
Lewis Sr. began his coaching career working in camps for the Miami Dolphins then became a graduate assistant at his alma mater of Bethune-Cookman in 2014.
One of BCU's most noted players of the decade, Lewis was recognized as MEAC Preseason Player of The Year and one of the Top 10 linebackers by The Sports Network, and named a Preseason Second Team FCS All-American in 2011. He finished his senior season with 42 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and a team-high tying four interceptions and five deflections. He also forced three fumbles on the campaign.
In 2010, Lewis was a captain of a defense that ranked fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense (93.97), 15th in scoring defense (19.0 PPG), 25th in pass defense (174.9 YPG) and aided the team in ranking first overall in turnover margin (+2.25). Lewis' stingy defensive play proved key in BCU's 10-1 regular season record, leading the Wildcats to the MEAC crown and first NCAA FCS Playoff appearance since 2003.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to join an outstanding staff and organization," Lewis Sr. said. "I can't wait to get to work with Coach Dilfer, Coach Russ, and Blazer Nation. I know for a fact we will fly around and make a lot of plays this upcoming season, and I'm looking forward to working on perfecting the process on a daily basis as a team."
A native of Pompano Beach, Florida, Lewis earned his degree from Bethune-Cookman in 2012, majoring in Physical Education, and earned a Master's Degree from Bethune-Cookman in 2015, majoring in Transformative Leadership.
UAB Baseball | The Quick Cut: at Alabama
Thursday, April 23
UAB Beach Volleyball | The Quick Cut: Blazer Beach Bash
Saturday, April 18
UAB Softball | The Quick Cut: Memphis Series
Thursday, April 09
UAB vs ECU Post Game Press Conference
Sunday, March 08
