Boston College working toward hiring Tim Lewis as next defensive coordinator, per report

The Boston College Golden Eagles found their next head coach in Bill O’Brien shortly after the departure of Jeff Hafley. And now that O’Brien has taken over the helm of the program, he is putting together his coaching cabinet and adding a few new faces, one of whom will be in the defensive coordinator position.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Boston College is attempting to bring in Tim Lewis as the program’s new DC.

“Sources: Boston College is working toward hiring Tim Lewis as the school’s new defensive coordinator. He’s a longtime NFL assistant coach who has worked for six different franchises, including defensive coordinator for the Steelers (2000-03) and Giants (2004-06),” said Thamel via X.

Thamel also went on to add a few more details about Lewis and his coaching background, both recently and within the college ranks.

“Lewis last worked as co-defensive coordinator for Bob Stoops with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL in 2023. He has worked in college at Pitt, SMU and Texas A&M.”

If Boston College is in the market for a defensive coordinator who excels at coaching up secondaries and defensive back units, they have found their man. Lewis specializes in secondary coaching but is not just limited to that role. As mentioned above, he has held the title of defensive coordinator at a few stops. Lewis was also the head coach of the Alliance of American Football or AAF League’s Birmingham Iron in 2019, leading the team to a 5-3 record before the league collapsed, failing to complete its inaugural season.

Boston College hires Craig Fitzgerald as new strength coach

Boston College hired Craig Fitzgerald as its new strength and conditioning coach. Fitzgerald served as the director of football performance at Florida but will now head up north.

Fitzgerald will join Bill O’Brien’s staff at Boston College. O’Brien just left Ohio State’s offensive coordinator job to take the gig out east.

Fitzgerald released a statement on the move, via GatorsOnline.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my decision to leave the University of Florida Football program. After much thought, I have decided to join my decade-long coaching friend Bill O’Brien at Boston College,” Fitzgerald said. “Bill and I have worked together for almost 10 years. Although it excites me to rejoin him, it pains me to leave a program with such a bright future made up of hard-working, committed, and fine young men and staff.

“The culture of competitiveness, professionalism, and dedication inside this building was evident in my short time here. I am grateful to Coach Napier for this opportunity and I wish the Gators the best moving forward.”

Florida head coach Billy Napier also released a statement on Fitzgerald’s decision to leave the program.

“I want to thank Fitz for doing a great job during the five weeks he’s been at Florida,” Billy Napier said in a statement. “He’s a very professional and well-respected individual and has been a great resource for our players and our organization. We understand that these decisions are part of the profession and we all have been put in these dynamics at one point or another. As I’ve said before, this game is about relationships and Coach O’Brien and Coach Fitz’s relationship goes way back.