Jason Taylor and Damione Lewis: Leading by Example as Coaches of the Miami Hurricanes’ Defensive Line
The Miami Hurricanes have long been known for their dominant defenses, a tradition that has shaped their storied history in college football. The team has produced numerous NFL legends, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and the Hurricanes’ defensive line has been one of the cornerstones of that legacy. In 2025, two of the program’s most iconic players — Jason Taylor and Damione Lewis — have returned to their alma mater to coach the Miami Hurricanes’ defensive line. Both former NFL stars have brought a leadership philosophy rooted in experience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their approach to coaching is one of leading by example, instilling a sense of pride and responsibility in the next generation of Hurricanes defensive linemen.
Jason Taylor’s name is synonymous with greatness, not just within the Miami Dolphins franchise but also in the broader landscape of football. After a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, Taylor has transitioned into coaching, bringing decades of experience and a championship pedigree to the Miami Hurricanes. Taylor’s career as a defensive end and outside linebacker was marked by his relentless work ethic, ability to disrupt offenses, and ability to change the game with his pass rush. He was known for his high football IQ, leadership, and his relentless pursuit of excellence on the field.
Taylor’s remarkable career includes 139.5 sacks, numerous All-Pro selections, and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A key player for the Dolphins during their 2007 season, in which they made a playoff run, Taylor was also recognized as a leader both on and off the field. His commitment to hard work, preparation, and discipline made him a standout player, and these are the same qualities he aims to instill in Miami’s defensive line.
As a coach, Taylor emphasizes the importance of technique and fundamentals, focusing on making sure his players understand the nuances of the game. He encourages his players to be relentless in their pursuit of the quarterback, stressing that every play can be an opportunity to change the course of the game. His ability to relate to his players — given his background as a pass rusher — has made him an invaluable resource for the Hurricanes’ defensive line. His leadership style revolves around personal accountability, preparation, and the belief that hard work will always outshine natural talent.
Damione Lewis: A Tireless Worker with an Eye for Detail
Damione Lewis, a former defensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes, also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team’s defensive line coaching staff. After a successful career in the NFL, Lewis has turned to coaching with a focus on developing the next generation of players who will fill the void he once occupied on the field. Known for his powerful play and ability to dominate the interior of the defensive line, Lewis brings a different perspective to the coaching staff — one rooted in toughness, discipline, and mental fortitude.
Lewis played for the Hurricanes from 1999 to 2001, making a significant impact during his time at Miami. After being drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Lewis went on to have a productive career as a defensive tackle. He was known for his relentless motor, strength, and ability to control the line of scrimmage. Over the course of his nine-year NFL career, Lewis played for the Rams, Panthers, and Texans, becoming one of the most respected interior linemen of his era.
As a coach, Lewis is known for his focus on detail and technique. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the game plan, reading offensive linemen, and being in the right position to make plays. His approach is grounded in a belief that defense is won in the trenches, where the battle for dominance is decided. Lewis is a big proponent of conditioning, believing that defensive linemen must be able to sustain their physicality throughout an entire game. He pushes his players to remain focused, regardless of the score, and to never underestimate the value of consistent effort.
While Taylor brings a perspective of versatility and pass-rush mastery, Lewis focuses on the technical side of playing the interior line — the footwork, hand placement, and hand strength needed to control blockers and occupy space. Together, the two coaches form a dynamic duo, blending experience, wisdom, and a shared goal of developing the next wave of Hurricanes’ defensive stars.
Leading by Example: The Coaching Philosophy
Jason Taylor and Damione Lewis both embody a coaching philosophy that is deeply rooted in their own experiences as players. They believe in leading by example, not just through words but through their actions and approach to the game. Both have lived the grind of an NFL career, so they understand the level of effort and commitment required to succeed at the highest levels. This makes them relatable to the current generation of players, who look up to their former accomplishments and strive to emulate their success.
Their approach to coaching is centered around developing well-rounded players who excel in every facet of the game. Taylor and Lewis understand that being a dominant defensive lineman is not just about raw talent; it’s about being mentally prepared, disciplined in your technique, and relentless in your effort. As they work with the Miami defensive line, they place a heavy emphasis on the fundamentals: stance, hand placement, footwork, and timing. Both coaches work tirelessly to make sure their players develop the tools necessary to dominate their opponents.
Taylor and Lewis also stress the importance of building a culture of toughness and resilience within the defensive line group. They make it clear that every day is an opportunity to improve, and they push their players to maximize their potential both on and off the field. The two coaches lead by example, arriving early for practices, staying late to review film, and offering guidance whenever necessary. Their dedication and commitment to excellence set the standard for the players they coach.
The influence of both Taylor and Lewis goes beyond just teaching football. They also focus on instilling leadership qualities in their players. The defensive line is often seen as the backbone of a team, and both coaches work to cultivate a sense of responsibility and pride in their players. They encourage their players to take ownership of their performance, to hold themselves and their teammates accountable, and to work together as a unit. The lessons they impart are not just about football; they’re about developing strong, disciplined, and responsible individuals who can succeed in all areas of life.
The Importance of Defensive Line Play
In modern football, the defensive line is often the difference between victory and defeat. The ability to disrupt the quarterback, stop the run, and control the line of scrimmage is paramount to a team’s success. For the Miami Hurricanes, having two former NFL stars like Jason Taylor and Damione Lewis coaching the defensive line is a significant advantage. Their expertise in recognizing offensive schemes, understanding blocking techniques, and executing defensive game plans gives Miami’s defensive linemen the tools they need to succeed.
Taylor and Lewis understand the importance of both pass rushing and run defense, and they work to make their players proficient in both areas. Taylor, who made a name for himself as one of the most successful pass rushers in NFL history, shares his knowledge of how to attack the quarterback from various positions, using a variety of moves and techniques to get to the passer. His ability to read offensive linemen and adjust his approach based on the situation is a crucial skill he passes down to his players.
On the other hand, Lewis focuses heavily on controlling the interior of the defensive line, ensuring that his players are capable of shedding blockers, occupying space, and stopping the run. His knowledge of blocking schemes and offensive line mechanics gives him a distinct advantage in teaching his players how to be disruptive in the trenches.
Together, they provide a well-rounded approach to coaching the defensive line. Their emphasis on technique, toughness, and leadership is helping the Hurricanes build a defensive line that can excel against both the pass and the run. The results are already beginning to show, as the Miami defense is becoming known for its ability to pressure the quarterback and control the line of scrimmage.
Building a Legacy
Jason Taylor and Damione Lewis are more than just coaches; they are living embodiments of what it means to be a Miami Hurricane. Both players left an indelible mark on the program during their time at Miami, and now they are working to pass on that legacy to the next generation of Hurricanes players. Their leadership by example serves as a model for the players they coach, motivating them to not only be great football players but also great individuals.
Their presence on the coaching staff is a testament to the Miami Hurricanes’ commitment to excellence. By hiring two former stars who know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, Miami has shown that it is serious about returning to national prominence. Taylor and Lewis’ leadership, combined with their wealth of knowledge and experience, will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Hurricanes’ defense.