Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from Big Ten Media Days

Confidence in the coordinators

One of the biggest question marks facing Michigan football in 2022 is the performance of the coordinators because there will be new play-callers on offense and defense.

Jesse Minter is taking over for Mike Macdonald who left to be the DC for the Baltimore Ravens. Minter was also a former member of the Ravens and worked with Macdonald closely.

John Harbaugh also recommended Minter along with Macdonald when Jim was looking for a DC in 2021, so literally, Minter is the next best option and seems like a better long-term fit for the college game (he actually likes recruiting).

Sherrone Moore and Matt Weiss will call the plays on offense and it sounds like Weiss will essentially be the pass-game coordinator while Mike Hart will also help coordinate the run game.

Harbaugh also expressed his confidence on Tuesday:

"“We have the perfect blend between Matt and myself, and then Sherrone [Moore] is the living embodiment of Matt Weiss and myself. He’s right there. And the most important because he’s coaching the offensive line. It’s an incredible group that way. Also, Mike Hart does a great job in the run game and blitz protections. Ron Bellamy is another guy like Matt Weiss — detailed, organized, analytical. And Grant Newsome is tremendous and will be a great coach and already is. It’s a tremendous group. We have some really great analysts, as well. I feel great about the offensive staff and defensive staff.”"

Coaching turnover is a big deal and the role that Macdonald played in beating Ohio State can’t be overlooked. Those few stops and holds in the red zone were the difference in the game.

He was the X-factor and the NFL aspect was huge. That’s why I loved the hire of Minter. But can he deliver when “The Game” is on the line? We won’t know until November.

But with Mike Elston on the staff, along with Minter and Grant Newsome, the staff is in a really strong place, as long as things start picking up with recruiting.