Florida Atlantic University has stated that it is not considering former Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis for its open head football coach position, refuting previous claims.

According to a source from the FAU sports department, reported by The Palm Beach Post, the university will not be interviewing Lewis following the dismissal of Tom Herman on Monday, after a disappointing two-year performance with a record of 6-16.

Earlier on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested that Lewis was being seriously considered for the role.

This season, the Owls are on a five-game losing streak and hold an 0-6 record in the American Athletic Conference. Chad Lunsford, who was the tight ends coach, has stepped up as interim head coach for FAU’s last two games against Charlotte and Tulsa. It is still unclear if Lunsford, who coached at Georgia Southern from 2017 to 2021, is in the running for the permanent role.

Lewis, who is 49 years old, played college football at the University of Miami (Fla.) before spending 17 years with the Baltimore Ravens. During his career, he won two Super Bowls, earned a Super Bowl MVP title, was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice, and was selected as a first-team All-Pro seven times. After retiring, Lewis transitioned to a commentary role in the NFL for ESPN and FOX.

Historically, none of FAU’s last five head coaches have stayed longer than three seasons, with Lane Kiffin being the only one to leave voluntarily, moving on to the head coach position at Ole Miss in 2019.

This story has been updated to include more information.