NFL’s Black Monday could impact Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Football

Michigan football should worry about assistants too if Harbaugh stays

Beyond the head coaches of Michigan and Ohio State, several Michigan assistants do have NFL experience and could be potential targets for newly forming NFL coaching staffs.

Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald in particular could be a commodity at the pro level, as he spent several seasons coaching the linebackers of the Baltimore Ravens under Don “Wink” Martindale. After installing a similarly diverse, chaotic scheme at Michigan, he could be a prime candidate to be poached by an NFL team.

Quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss also falls into this category, a former offensive and defensive assistant for the Ravens, prior to his hire this past offseason.

Running backs coach Mike Hart does not have NFL experience himself but was an NFL running back for the Indianapolis Colts for three seasons. And defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale has put several defensive backs into the NFL dating back to his time at Kentucky, making him someone of note.

The other area to watch is for potential analysts and staff additions coming to Michigan from the remains of NFL coaching staffs.

Specifically in mind here is the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, where former Harbaugh assistant Vic Fangio is the head coach, and certainly on the hot seat.

While Fangio would likely remain a pretty in-demand defensive coordinator candidate if the Broncos part ways with him, some of his other assistants, such as defensive backs coach Ed Donatell, may not have as many options, and could be intriguing off-field analysts for Michigan.

Donatell specifically coached under Harbaugh in San Francisco, and at 64 years of age, could be looking to slow things down.

Michigan has thus far managed to keep its coaching staff intact after the most tumultuous and chaotic coaching carousel in college football history, but this upcoming Monday represents the next big threat Michigan will face in keeping this staff together.

Do not be surprised to see a handful of raises and extensions are in store as NFL teams start looking around successful college programs such as Michigan’s. While I ultimately do not anticipate Harbaugh or his staff departing so soon, it is certainly something to keep an eye on.