Coaching assignments change as Michigan prepares for spring practice

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke looks on from the sideline during overtime against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan 43-40 in overtime. Credit: Matthew O

While head coach Brady Hoke didn’t remove any assistants Thursday (Feb. 20), he did make extensive changes to their coaching assignments. Offensively, nothing has been changed, except, of course, the recent addition of offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and the departure of Al Borges.

Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison will have two main chores when Michigan begins spring practice next month. In the three seasons since Mattison has been at Michigan, the Wolverines’ pass rush and pass coverage have been questioned.

Addition to secondary

Mark Smith, who coached the linebackers last season, is now the defensive line coach.A pair of assistants have been assigned to the secondary. Roy Manning, who coached the outside linebackers in 2013 will coach the cornerbacks in 2014, while Curt Mallory will strictly coach the safeties.

In addition to his DC duties, Mattison will be working with the linebackers.

Hoke, who is now officially known as the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach, announced the moves in a prepared statement:

“Everyone on the staff and the kids are really excited about these changes,” Hoke said. “Greg and I met and felt this was the best for everyone, including him and his ability to coach a position group and run a defense from the middle. When you look at Mark’s experience on the defensive line, then being able to split the secondary, where you have five positions and 20-plus guys, and with the way offense and passing has changed in college football, I think it balances our staff on that side of the ball.”

It’s unclear when and if Hoke will take on a position group. Last year he worked with the defensive tackles.

66th in scoring defense

The Michigan defense was a major disappointment in 2013, allowing 26.8 points per game and placing 66th in the nation. But help is on the way as incoming freshman Jabrill Peppers has already been compared to Charles Woodson (Michigan’s 1997 Heisman Trophy winner) who was arguably the best cornerback in Michigan history.

Offense

Doug Nussmeier – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Dan Ferrigno – Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends

Darrell Funk – Offensive Line

Jeff Hecklinski – Wide Receivers

Fred Jackson – Running Backs

Graduate assistants

Kevin Koger tight ends

Michael Switzer offensive line

Defense

Greg Mattison – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Curt Mallory – Safeties

Roy Manning – Cornerbacks

Mark Smith – Defensive Line

Graduate Assistants

Jerry Milling – Linebackers

Ernie Lawson – Defensive Line

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Joel Greer

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