Michigan Wolverines news: Hunter Dickinson return possible, new contracts for Michigan football assistants and more

In our latest Michigan Wolverines news roundup, Michigan football extends key assistant coaches, Hunter Dickinson could still return, and more. 

It shocked Michigan basketball fans last week when Hunter Dickinson decided he was leaving the Michigan Wolverines and entering the transfer portal.

Dickinson doesn’t really have an NBA future. He will play professionally at some point, but it’s not likely the former Michigan basketball standout will be drafted into the NBA.

The 7-foot-1 big can score down low and his shooting has definitely improved. But he’s not a great athlete and will never be a good defender. He was a constant defensive liability for Michigan basketball and will be wherever he goes next season and beyond.

Still, Dickinson is an elite scorer and will have plenty of suitors. According to Jeff Ermann 247 sports, Maryland is one of the schools in pursuit. Kansas was also mentioned as being in the mix.

What’s interesting is that the report suggested Dickinson could still make a return to Michigan basketball. He does have that option but it seems unlikely. However, Kofi Cockburn actually did the same thing before he returned to Illinois.

I don’t foresee that happening. Honestly, it’s probably best for Juwan Howard and the Michigan Wolverines to start fresh, but at least via on report, a return is still possible.

Michigan football pays strength coach $1 million

The Michigan football program extended the contracts of some key assistant coaches recently as reported by Aaron McMann of MLive.com and those assistants was offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and strength coach Ben Herbert.

According to McMann, Minter and Moore have signed three years deals that are basically identical in terms of compensation. They will both be making over $1 million annually and will be making $3.6 million over the next three years, along with incentives for wins and championships.

Michigan football was smart to take care of its coordinators and it was a joke that they made less than a million before. It was also a genius move to extend Ben Herbert. He’s signed on for five years and will be making a million annually according to McMann.

But looking back over the past few years, Herbert has been as important as anyone to the success of the Michigan Wolverines on the football field. The strength and conditioning program is as good as any in college football and it’s why the Wolverines excel at development.

Jim Harbaugh said he wanted to nominate Herbert as the Broyles Award Winner last season. He wasn’t eligible, so it was smart to pay the man what he deserves.

Michigan football projected to land in-state linebacker

Last but not least, the Michigan Wolverines have started trending as the favorite for in-state linebacker Jeremiah Beasley. 

Michigan State was once considered the heavy favorite for the linebacker out of Belleville, who is ranked as the No. 6 recruit in the state of Michigan for the 2024 class according to the 247 sports composite rankings.

Beasley is 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, and is ranked 296th overall via the On3 industry rankings for the 2024 class. Michigan State controls the crystal balls from 247 sports but a new prediction for the Michigan Wolverines could spell trouble for the Spartans.

Plus, the On3 prediction machine gives Michigan football a better than 90-percent chance to land the commitment of Beasley, which would be another huge addition to the 2024 class, which is currently among the top five in the 2024 team rankings via 247 Sports.