Atlanta Falcons Fire Assistant Coach Amid Sexual Assault Claims

LaTroy Lewis was terminated just two weeks after joining the team's coaching staff.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons have terminated assistant defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis only two weeks after he joined the team, amid allegations of sexual assault connected to his time as a graduate assistant at the University of Michigan in 2022. The Falcons did not provide a specific reason for Lewis' dismissal, but multiple media reports indicate the allegations surfaced on Friday. Lewis has not been officially charged.

Why it matters

The firing of a coach due to sexual assault allegations highlights the growing scrutiny and accountability around misconduct in professional sports. The Falcons acted swiftly to terminate Lewis, signaling they take such claims seriously and want to maintain a safe and ethical work environment.

The details

According to reports, the allegations against Lewis came to light on Friday, though the specific details of the alleged incident are still unclear. The Ann Arbor Police Department has launched an investigation into the matter, but has not publicly disclosed Lewis' name due to department policy. Prior to joining the Falcons, Lewis was a defensive line coach at Toledo and the University of Connecticut.

  • On February 10, 2026, the Atlanta Falcons hired LaTroy Lewis as their assistant defensive line coach.
  • On February 24, 2026, the Falcons terminated Lewis' employment, just two weeks after he joined the team.

The players

LaTroy Lewis

A 32-year-old assistant defensive line coach who was hired by the Atlanta Falcons on February 10, 2026, but was terminated on February 24, 2026 amid allegations of sexual assault during his time as a graduate assistant at the University of Michigan in 2022.

Atlanta Falcons

The professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia that terminated LaTroy Lewis' employment after just two weeks on the coaching staff due to the sexual assault allegations against him.

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What they’re saying

“We are aware of allegations regarding LaTroy Lewis. We are in the process of gathering information and will have no further comment at this time.”

— Atlanta Falcons (Atlanta Falcons statement)

What’s next

The Ann Arbor Police Department's investigation into the alleged sexual assault incident involving LaTroy Lewis remains active and ongoing. It is unclear if Lewis will face any formal charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the heightened scrutiny and zero-tolerance policies around misconduct in professional sports, where organizations must act swiftly to address any allegations of unethical or criminal behavior by their employees. The Falcons' decision to terminate Lewis so quickly, even without formal charges, demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a safe and ethical work environment.