The Atlanta Falcons are expected to bring in LaTroy Lewis as their new assistant defensive line coach, per a report from CBS Sports. While the move hasn’t been officially announced by the team, it marks a swift and significant transition for Lewis, who had only recently joined UConn’s staff under new head coach Jason Candle.
Lewis, 32, was one of 15 assistant coaches announced by UConn on January 2, part of a coaching overhaul that leaned heavily on Candle’s deep ties to Toledo. In fact, at least 10 members of Candle’s new staff had previous connections to his decade-long run with the Rockets. But before Lewis could even get settled in Storrs - or coach a spring practice - he’s now on his way to the NFL.
For the Falcons, Lewis brings a blend of playing experience and a fast-rising coaching résumé. He played his college ball at Tennessee, where he was a steady contributor on the defensive line.
His senior year in 2016 was his most productive, posting career highs in tackles (36), tackles for loss (4.0), and sacks (2.5). He was part of three straight bowl-winning teams with the Vols and graduated in 2017.
Though he went undrafted, Lewis spent two seasons bouncing around NFL practice squads, including a stint with the Houston Texans in 2017 where he appeared in two games, registered three tackles, and notched a sack. That brief taste of the league likely gave him valuable perspective - something he’s carried into his coaching career.
Lewis began coaching in 2020 as a graduate assistant at Akron, his hometown school, before stops at South Alabama and Wake Forest. His big break came at Michigan, where he served as both a graduate assistant and later as assistant defensive line coach. He was part of the Wolverines’ national championship run in the 2023 season - a major résumé booster for any young coach looking to make the jump.
In 2025, he reunited with Candle at Toledo as the Rockets’ defensive line coach before following him to UConn this offseason. Now, it appears he’s heading back to the NFL - this time on the coaching side.
As for UConn, Lewis’ departure is just one of several moving pieces in a coaching staff that’s still taking shape. Candle, who replaced Jim Mora after back-to-back nine-win seasons, brought in a large group of assistants with diverse backgrounds and plenty of MAC experience. Here's a look at the rest of the staff that was announced last month:
- Nunzio Campanile - Offensive Coordinator
- Ryan Manalac - Defensive Coordinator
- Pat Cashmore - Special Teams Coordinator
- Robert Weiner - Assistant Head Coach & Special Assistant
- Max Wray - Tight Ends
- Kerry Dixon - Wide Receivers
- Nate Cole - Running Backs
- John Morookian - Offensive Line
- Marquel Blackwell - Quarterbacks & Co-Offensive Coordinator
- Jasper “Junior” Collins - Assistant Wide Receivers
- Rod Chance - Cornerbacks Coach & Passing Game Coordinator
- Daryl Ely - Assistant Defensive Backs
- Rod Chance - Also listed as Assistant Defensive Backs (likely a clerical duplication)
- Brooks Jenkins - Assistant Defensive Line
Despite Lewis’ quick exit, the Huskies still have a deep bench of coaching talent. But replacing a young, energetic defensive line coach with both NFL and national championship experience won’t be easy.
Looking ahead, UConn fans can start circling dates on the calendar. While the full 2026 schedule hasn’t dropped yet, the home slate is locked in. Seven games at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford are on tap:
- Sept. 5 vs. Lafayette
- Sept. 12 vs. Maryland
- Oct. 3 vs. Syracuse
- Oct. 24 vs. UMass
- Nov. 7 vs. North Carolina
- Nov. 14 vs. James Madison
- Nov. 21 vs. Old Dominion
It’s a solid mix of regional rivalries and Power Five matchups - and a chance for Candle to make an early statement in his first year at the helm. But as the Falcons finalize their coaching staff and UConn reshuffles theirs, LaTroy Lewis’ next chapter is already underway - this time, back in the NFL trenches.