Football: CU Buffs promote Damione Lewis to defensive line coach

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

A former 10-year NFL veteran, Lewis was hired earlier this offseason by head coach Deion Sanders to be a defensive analyst for the Buffaloes. Sunseri was away from the team throughout the offseason, however, and Lewis stepped into that role throughout spring practices.

Lewis has now officially joined the full-time coaching staff as one of the 10 main assistants. He has signed a two-year contract that will pay 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, helping to coach the defensive line. In 2019, he worked at Florida International as an 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 some 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 racked up 262 tackles, 23.5 sacks and five fumble recoveries in 141 games.

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

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