The Atlanta Falcons made a stunning move Friday, firing assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis just two weeks after hiring him, as sexual assault allegations from his time at the University of Michigan surfaced and triggered a police investigation. The team announced the dismissal hours after issuing a statement acknowledging they were “aware of allegations regarding LaTroy Lewis” and were “in the process of gathering more information.” The swift termination marks one of the shortest coaching tenures in recent NFL history and casts a shadow over a young coach’s once-promising career.
How the Falcons’ Swift Decision Unfolded
According to multiple reports, the Falcons’ front office was notified of the allegations early Friday morning. By afternoon, the team had released a carefully worded statement indicating awareness of the situation. “We are aware of allegations regarding LaTroy Lewis,” the Falcons said. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.” Within hours, that gathering of information led to a definitive conclusion: Lewis was dismissed from his role as assistant defensive line coach, a position he had held since February 10, 2026.
The allegations stem from Lewis’s time as a graduate assistant at the University of Michigan, where he worked under then-head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2023 and remained on staff under current head coach Sherrone Moore in 2024. The Ann Arbor Police Department confirmed it is investigating a sexual assault reported to have occurred on December 5, 2025, and that Lewis has been named a suspect in the case. Police officials stated they were “just recently made aware of allegations regarding a sexual assault” and that the investigation is ongoing.
Timeline: From NFL Player to Coach to Dismissal
LaTroy Lewis’s football journey took a sharp turn in February 2026. The 32-year-old Akron, Ohio, native began his coaching career in 2020 as a graduate assistant at the University of Akron, following a professional playing career that included stints with the Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans. After stops at South Alabama and Wake Forest, he joined Michigan’s staff in 2022 as a graduate assistant, working primarily with the defensive line.
In 2025, Lewis landed his first full‑time coaching position as defensive line coach at the University of Toledo. His performance there impressed the Falcons, who hired him on February 10, 2026, to assist defensive line coach Travis Jones. The move was seen as a step forward for Lewis, who had expressed excitement about returning to the NFL in a coaching capacity. That excitement was short‑lived. On February 27—just 17 days after his hiring—the Falcons cut ties with Lewis as the allegations became public.
Why This Story Matters: Allegations and Accountability in Sports
The firing of LaTroy Lewis highlights the increasing scrutiny sports organizations face when allegations of misconduct arise, especially those connected to a coach’s previous employment. The Falcons’ rapid response reflects a league‑wide emphasis on accountability and a low tolerance for off‑field issues that could damage a team’s reputation. It also underscores the challenges colleges and professional teams face in conducting thorough background checks, particularly when allegations have not yet been formally reported to law enforcement.
For the University of Michigan, the situation is another difficult chapter following the departure of Jim Harbaugh and the transition to Sherrone Moore. Michigan officials have not yet commented publicly on the allegations, but the police investigation is centered on an incident that allegedly occurred while Lewis was a member of the football staff. The Wolverines’ program, already under the microscope for previous NCAA issues, now faces questions about how it vets and supervises support staff.
Where Things Stand Now: Investigation and Fallout
As of Friday evening, the Ann Arbor Police Department’s investigation remains active. No charges have been filed, and Lewis has not made a public statement regarding the allegations. The Falcons, meanwhile, have moved quickly to distance themselves from the coach, indicating they will begin a search for a replacement immediately. The team’s decision to dismiss Lewis before the completion of the police investigation suggests they found the allegations credible enough to warrant immediate action.
Legally, Lewis could face serious consequences if the investigation leads to charges. Professionally, his coaching career is likely on hold indefinitely. The NFL’s personal‑conduct policy applies to all league personnel, and even if criminal charges are not pursued, the league could impose its own discipline. For the Falcons, the focus shifts to filling the vacant coaching spot and preparing for the upcoming season without distraction.
What Happens Next: Legal and Professional Ramifications
The immediate next steps will be determined by the Ann Arbor police investigation. If sufficient evidence is gathered, the case could be forwarded to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges. Lewis would then have to navigate the legal system while also confronting the near‑certain end of his coaching career in the NFL. Even if the investigation does not result in criminal charges, the cloud of the allegations will make it difficult for him to find another coaching job at the collegiate or professional level.
For the Falcons, the search for a new assistant defensive line coach will begin in earnest. Head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot will likely look for a candidate with a clean background and proven teaching ability. The team may also review its hiring protocols to prevent a similar situation in the future. Meanwhile, the University of Michigan may conduct its own internal review of how the allegations were handled and whether any red flags were missed during Lewis’s employment.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
• The Atlanta Falcons fired assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis on February 27, 2026, after sexual‑assault allegations from his time at Michigan surfaced.
• The Ann Arbor Police Department is investigating a sexual assault reported to have occurred on December 5, 2025, and has named Lewis a suspect.
• Lewis was hired by the Falcons on February 10, 2026, following a season as defensive line coach at Toledo and earlier graduate‑assistant roles at Michigan, Wake Forest, South Alabama and Akron.
• The Falcons issued a statement saying they were “aware of allegations regarding LaTroy Lewis” and were “gathering more information” before deciding to dismiss him.
• The case underscores the heightened scrutiny on off‑field conduct in the NFL and the challenges teams face in vetting coaching hires thoroughly.
As the investigation continues, the sports world will be watching to see how both the legal process and the Falcons’ organization respond to one of the most abrupt coaching dismissals in recent memory.
