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Michigan Football: How Jim McElwain could help the Wolverines

By Chris Peterson

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 5: Head Coach Jim McElwain of the Florida Gators on the sidelines during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Gators 31-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 5: Head Coach Jim McElwain of the Florida Gators on the sidelines during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Gators 31-10. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Michigan football is looking at the possibility of hiring Jim McElwain as its wide receivers coach? At this point, what could it possibly hurt?

It seems like there is always something interesting to talk about when it comes to Michigan football and this week, with some new coaching rumors, is no different.

While there is still a lot of talk about recruiting or even the upcoming 2018 NFL draft, another hot topic is the possibility of Michigan football hiring former Colorado State and Florida head coach Jim McElwain to coach wide receivers. 

Some don’t seem impressed by the idea, but the Wolverines need to add another offensive assistant and getting McElwain, a former head coach would be a good get. The fact that he was also a successful offensive coordinator at Alabama is also a plus.

Certainly, the way he finished at Florida has put a damper on his image. But that doesn’t mean the guy can’t coach. In fact, he put together some impressive recruiting classes and was also named Coach of the Year in the Moutain West and the SEC.

Michigan Wolverines Football
Michigan Wolverines Football /

Michigan Wolverines Football

The official position McElwain interviewed for is wide receivers coach, but he would likely have a bigger role than just that. For one, the Wolverines receivers need to be developed and having a seasoned coach to assist, would be a big plus. Getting the most out of guys like Dononvan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black is going to be tremendously important for next season.

Peoples-Jones never found his groove as a pass catch and it hurt the offense. When Black went down, there was no replacement.

The top priority for the offense is getting the quarterback to play better. One thing that will help that is better receivers. The talent is there with Peoples-Jones, Black, Nico Collins, Kekoa Crawford, Eddie McDoom and Grant Perry. It just needs to be realized.

Another benefit could be the incorporation of more spread concepts. If Shea Patterson is the starting quarterback next season, the offense will be different. He has different skill sets for one and secondly, the play calling has to less predicatable. It was so conservative, it was hard to watch.

UM has already looked at more run-pass options for next season and McElwain could help with that. It’s also would add another football mind with extensive knowledge., who could bring some frersh ideas to the program, which it desperately needs.

In six years as a head coach, McElwain won 44 games. He recruited top talent and at least made the SEC championship game. His hiring could also give Michigan football another option at offensive coordinator down the road. A lot of people aren’t thrilled about Tim Drevno. Many would like to see him replaced and maybe McElwain is a guy that could do it.

Whether it’s McElwain or Cam Cameron, who also interviewed, it’s going to be a good move. Both of those guys can coach and have a track record of success. Adding eiither as a wide receivers coach can’t hurt can it?

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All I know is that the Wolverines need to change things up offensively. Whether you like McElwain or not, you can’t deny his coaching pedigree. Maybe he won’t help, but at this point, with how bad things have gotten, he can’t possibly do anything to make it worse.

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