Jesse Minter helped Michigan football win a national championship as the Wolverines defensive coordinator. Now, he's going back to Ann Arbor to fill out this coaching staff, as it was reported on Thursday that Lou Esposito, the defensive line coach for the past two seasons, will join Minter in Baltimore.
Just a month ago Esposito was retained by the new Michigan football coaching staff under head coach Kyle Whittingham, but with a chance to coach in the pros, Esposito is leaving for the coveted opportunity. Here are three names who ought to be on Whittingham's short list to take his spot.
David Denham-Michigan's Assistant Defensive Line Coach
This would be the most obvious choice if Whittingham stays in house. and doesn't ask around. Denham worked with Esposito at Western Michigan and has been with the program for almost a year now.
Lewis Powell-Michigan's Defensive Ends Coach
Powell has the experience to coach the entire group by himself, but has been the primary defensive ends coach since 2019 at Utah. In three seasons as Utah's defensive line coach from 2016-2018, Powell tutored Star Lotulelei's younger brother.
Luther Elliss-Utah's Defensive Tackles Coach
Ellis stayed at Utah under Morgan Scalley, but would a second chance to jump ship change his mind? He previously coached defensive line at Idaho before returning to Salt Lake City in 2022. If Whittingham makes the call to Elliss, a promotion should be in order to make the offer more tempting. Another name who would make sense if he wasn't already named the associate head coach in Provo, is Sione Po'uha.