This vacancy arose after Tom Herman was dismissed earlier this week, following a disappointing 6-16 overall record and a winless 0-6 streak in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) this season.

On Wednesday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter stirred interest by suggesting a surprising contender for Herman's replacement. "Following the Deion Sanders-to-Colorado model, Hall-of-Fame linebacker Ray Lewis has emerged as a candidate to become the next head coach at Florida Atlantic University, sources tell ESPN," Schefter reported on social media platform X.

However, ESPN itself presented a contradictory stance shortly after Schefter's tweet. An article posted on ESPN.com, without a byline, cited alternate sources stating that FAU does not plan to hire the former Baltimore Ravens star.

John Talty, a CBS college football reporter, added context to the discussion by noting that Lewis lacks any coaching experience, contrasting him with Deion Sanders. Though Sanders also leaped from a high-profile playing career to a head coaching role at Colorado, he had previously coached in high school and at Jackson State University, an HBCU where he achieved notable success. "Ray Lewis hasn't coached at any level. Deion is the exception, not the rule, on high-profile athletes making the jump to coaching," Talty commented.

FAU's athletic director Brian White expressed the university's high expectations while announcing Herman's departure. "I extend my appreciation to Tom Herman for his dedication to our university and our student-athletes," White said. "I informed Tom of my decision this morning and then met with the staff and team. We firmly believe in our ability to win championships and compete for bowl games, and that remains our standard."

As the search for a new head coach continues, FAU faces both speculation and scrutiny regarding the potential direction of their football program.