Larry Foote emerges as candidate for Michigan football’s DC vacancy

A former first-team All-American for Michigan football, Larry Foote is emerging as a candidate for the Wolverines defensive coordinator opening. 

After a season filled with injuries that led to uncharacteristic defensive struggles for the Baltimore Ravens, head coach John Harbaugh unexpectedly parted ways with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. The natural top candidate to replace Martindale is Michigan football defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald.

The 34-year old had spent the previous seven years cutting his teeth in Baltimore, including 2018-2020 as Linebackers Coach. The timing is unfortunate for Michigan, who must replace Mike MacDonald after he coordinated a stellar unit in 2020.

However, Macdonald’s replacement may be a familiar face among the Maize and Blue faithful. According to Sam Webb of the Michigan Insider (subscription required), Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has reached out to former Michigan linebacker Larry Foote.

He is currently the outside linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Foote decides to return to Ann Arbor, he will be a great fit on multiple levels.

As a former player, Foote was one of the best linebackers to ever come through the program. He made 28 career starts and he finished his career fourth in tackles for loss. Foote was an All-Big Ten first-team selection in 2000 and 2001 as well as a First-Team All-American selection in 2001. He went on to be a fourth-round selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent 11 of his 13-year career and won two Super Bowls. He had over 800 tackles and 25 sacks in his career.

Foote will be able to sell recruits on his ability to get them to the NFL. He has walked the path both as a player and as a coach with the Arizona Cardinals as well as the Bucs. At age 41, Foote is young enough to connect with recruits and he has always been regarded as a leader.

Speaking of recruiting, Foote is a Detroit native and went to Pershing High School. He could be another strong recruiter in Southeast Michigan, the Midwest, and Florida.

As an added bonus, he works with Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, the father of 2023 top 100 LB Troy Bowles. Michigan football is already one of Troy’s top schools and hiring Foote might make Michigan the favorite to land him.

Why Foote would be a good fit with Michigan football

Schematically, Foote spent the majority of his career playing in a 3-4 defense with the Steelers and Cardinals and Tampa Bay currently runs a 3-4.

Foote may decide to branch out with the chance to coordinate his own defense, but one would assume he would use a 3-4 as well. That would be ideal for Michigan football because it would not have to go through another scheme change.

The former Wolverine would be a first-time defensive coordinator and play-caller, but he would have an experienced staff to support. Additionally, Mike MacDonald was a first-time coordinator last season as well and that worked out well.

Foote is also a rising name in coaching circles and he might have the opportunity to coordinate an NFL defense soon.

Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich is one of the favorites for the Jaguars head coaching job and could bring Foote with him. However, if Foote does opt to return to Ann Arbor, he would be a great hire.